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Six Flags Mexico lifts ban on “affectionate behavior” after protesters hold same-sex “kissathon”

LGBTQ activists planned a demonstration after a same-sex couple was removed from line by park security for kissing.

By on January 6, 2022

A panoramic view of Six Flags Mexico – Photo: kuroisuisei, via Wikimedia.

Six Flags Mexico has rescinded its ban on “affectionate behavior” after backlash over park security’s decision to remove a gay couple from a ride for kissing.

The incident occurred on Dec. 29 at the Six Flags amusement park in Mexico City. Although the couple in question was not expelled from the park, they were removed from the line for a ride based on the rationale that the park was trying to foster a “family environment” that was incompatible with shows of affection, according to The Associated Press.

However, some of those present claimed that other heterosexual couples were also kissing, yet only the same-sex couple was removed from the line.

“A few minutes ago, in @SixFlagsMexico, they discriminated against my friends for kissing, the argument was that the park is a “family environment” and that gay kisses go against that [environment],” a Twitter user named “Gio,” who claimed to be with the couple at the park, wrote in a Twitter thread.

“Later, José, who introduced himself as the ‘park director,’ told us that in general, all displays of affection are prohibited and that it was in the regulations, we [then] reviewed the regulations with him, and that paragraph does not appear,” Gio added, tagging Six Flags Mexico in the thread. 

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“What it does say is that ‘you cannot have acts that violate morality,’ according to him, a gay kiss goes against that and a straight one, no. Enough of allowing us to be discriminated against in places safe for the community,” Gio tweeted.

“They also pointed us out, removed us from line, and threatened to expel us from the park for not complying with the ‘family environment’ regulation. At least 10 couples in the same area were kissing but they were not pointed out or threatened,” he added.

After Gio’s tweets went viral and were shared widely on social media platforms, LGBTQ activists called for a “kissathon” to protest the couple’s treatment. 

The demonstration featured people dancing, holding signs, waving Pride flags, and, of course, same-sex couples kissing. 

“We never stopped fighting for our rights,” tweeted one attendee.

“LGBT activists hold a peaceful demonstration and ‘kissathon’ outside Six Flags, to protest against the act of discrimination reported yesterday against a same-sex couple,” tweeted another, sharing pictures of the protest.

“Here you can see the power of LGBT!” tweeted a third.

Six Flags Mexico later released a statement noting that the policy had been rescinded, reports Attractions magazine.

“In an effort to maintain a family atmosphere, Six Flags had a policy of discouraging visitors from becoming too affectionate,” the park wrote. “This policy applied equally to all guests, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. However, in accordance with our visitors’ comments, we have decided that a policy referring to affectionate behavior is not necessary, and we have eliminated it.”

Six Flags subsequently posted another update apologizing for the incident.

“We apologize for the misunderstanding given to some of our visitors during their stay in our park on Wednesday, Dec. 29. We stand in solidarity with our guests, partners, colleagues and collaborators who are members of the LGBTQ+ community,” the park’s management said in a statement.

“Six Flags is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment and does not tolerate racism, discrimination, or hateful behavior in any way towards anyone.”

They continued: “Our goal is to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone. To show our commitment, tomorrow we will meet with a commission of the LGBTQ+ community, together with the [Mexico City] authorities and we will work to move forward.”

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