OP (Male, 27) and his future wife (26F) are planning their dream wedding in Dubai with only friends and family invited. The wife’s cousin (F23) wants to bring her girlfriend (F21) but is concerned about the strict laws against homosexuality in Dubai. OP tells her they can come but must be careful not to break any laws. However, the cousin suggests changing the venue to a more accepting country. OP refuses and tells the cousin that her relationship is not his problem and that if she can’t come, it’s no loss to him or his partner.
This causes anger among the cousin’s friends and family, who accuse OP of discrimination. Despite this, OP and his partner refuse to change the venue, as it is their dream wedding and honeymoon combined. They also mention that they do not care about LGBTQ issues in the Middle East.
OP’s decision has sparked controversy and highlighted the ongoing issue of LGBTQ rights in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries. While OP and his partner have the right to choose their wedding location, some argue that it is important to consider the safety and well-being of all guests, regardless of their sexual orientation.
The situation also raises questions about the responsibility of individuals and businesses to promote and uphold human rights, including LGBTQ rights. Some argue that by choosing to have their wedding in Dubai, OP, and his partner indirectly support a country with laws that discriminate against the LGBTQ community.
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It Could Have Been Handled Better
Family matters are always riddled with additional complications. In this instance, it is clear that many of the Redditors agreed that OP could have approached the subject more gently to avoid offense and upheaval:
“YTA for how you worded your response to her, not for not changing your wedding venue.
You should just say you’d love for them to be there if they can, be apologetic about how things can be in Dubai, and that if they have concerns, they should be mindful about how they display public affection.”
This very sensible response advised the OP to deal with the situation more effectively. Regardless of OP’s beliefs in LGBT legislation, this approach would appease both parties.
It pays attention to the fact that it is not the OP at fault but the fact that UAE has laws explicitly again homosexuality. Therefore, it is significant to highlight that to the OPs cousin, reminding them that it is not a personal bias but a reasonably serious cultural and legal issue.
She Is Being Unreasonable
There are plenty of issues that can be taken with pretty much every country in the world. OP has chosen to have his wedding in the middle-east due to his work commitments and love of the culture.
Many commenters highlight his right to have his wedding where he chooses. He also does not ban his cousin or her girlfriend from coming; he simply warns them that they must be careful.
She and the family are demanding that they change the wedding country to suit them better. However, many are against the arguably selfish stance:
“NTA. She lost the right to civility when she started complaining and asking you to change countries. While your statement may have been a little harsh, she must understand it’s your wedding, not hers.”
Realistically, this commentator explains that it is entirely unreasonable for the cousins to demand that the entire wedding be uprooted to suit her needs. Even though she was still welcome to attend the wedding, she had to not draw attention to the fact that she had a female partner.
Many have also noted in the comments that in Dubai, no one shows affection publicly, regardless of their relationship. Therefore, it would be perfectly simple for her to blend in, as no other couple would be displaying affection either.
HIS MOTHER AND AUNT ARE BANNED FROM HIS WEDDING AFTER WHAT THEY DID TO HIS FIANCÉ
Source: Reddit
