American Airlines discipline gay couple

By James Phillips • September 29, 2006 - 0:00

When the couple were called to meet the captain, they were told to stop complaining or the flight would be diverted.

3 Comments on American Airlines discipline gay couple

A gay US couple travelling from Paris to New York were astonished when they were told by an American Airlines stewardess to stop "the touching and kissing," reports the New Yorker Magazine.

Journalist George Tsikhiseli and his boyfriend Stephan Varnier, were told by a stewardess just after departure to stop their "inappropriate behaviour."

The couple insist however that absolutely no inappropriate behaviour took place. Saying they swapped turns in resting heads on each others shoulders and had an occasional kiss.

"We'd kiss-not kiss kiss, just mwah," said Tsikhiseli. Their story being backed up by fellow passengers.

Following the request, the couple addressed the head stewardess on board and then the captain.

At first she agreed that no inappropriate behaviour had took place, yet an hour later she had changed her mind citing that customers were complaining.

The gay couple asked which customers as to offer an apology but were refused an answer. When the couple asked for the stewardesses' name and details and if an American Airline representative could meet them at JFK airport, they were again refused with no explanation.

When the couple were called to meet the captain, they were told to stop complaining or the flight would be diverted.

"Our passengers need to recognise that they are in an environment with all ages, backgrounds, creeds, and races," said a spokesperson for American Airlines.

The spokesman agreed with the crews decision and insists there was no homophobia involved, adding: "our understanding is that the level of affection was more than a quick peck on the cheek."

Share this story with the world These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.