National

Today in History: April 13

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in 1998, 100 protesters carried signs reading “no gay ships” to the arrival of a cruise ship line carrying 180 lesbian passengers.

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2023

Megan Shepherd

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in 1848 – Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church was established in Harts, Exuma.

The quaint blue and white church is named for st. Margaret of Antioch. One legend has it that the saint, when under persecution, was confronted by a dragon (satan) which devoured her.

The cross she wore grew so large in his mouth that she emerged unharmed. The church’s standard is a gold cross and dragon on a blue field.

And finally on this day in 1998 – a group of nearly 100 people led by Save The Bahamas, protested the arrival of the premiere cruise line ship, Seabreeze I, carrying 180 lesbian passengers.

The Associated Press and other international media houses reported on the incident in which more than 100 protesters carried signs reading “no gay ships”.

The demonstrators picketed the entrance to Nassau’s port as 800 passengers disembarked.

The Bahamian government later welcomed the ship, which religious groups strongly rebuked.