Maldives , an island well known for it's stunning beaches and also beautiful landscapes is a perfect destination for couples for a romantic getaway. To have a wedding there would also definitely be a special and meaningful occasion. However, imagine having a wedding whereby the priest reads out offensive sexual and religious slurs or profanities instead of the proper wedding vows? That would definitely be outrageously offending and unethical.

This explicit incident had occured recently when a swiss couple had decided to have the renewal of their wedding vows at the Villu Reef Hotel in the Maldives. A video dated 30/10/2010 taken of the couple's wedding ceremony shows how the couple was apparently being ridiculed as "infidels" and even "swines" by the priest that was speaking in Dhivehi language.The clueless couple eve continued to bow their heads in prayer despite everything that was happening at that moment in time.

Authorities have since been conducting investigations and are treating this case as a very serious matter, as it involves religious and moral issues. The Maldivian president and ambassador had also expressed their apologies to the couple who had requested for their anonymity saying that what had happened was truly "unforgivable". The foreign minister of Maldives will also be writing a letter to their counterparts in Europe to offer their intense regret. Two members of the hotel staff that were involved in this matter have already been apprehended by the authorities and are currently detained.

In my opinion, this incident would be really bad for the tourism industry of the country. People may start to think twice about coming to the Maldives due to social and religious concerns. I am thankful that I live in Singapore,in a country where there is peace and harmony between different races and religion. However, we should not take this peace for granted and should continue to strive for better social cohesion in the country.