Canada advises LGBTQ2 travellers to be aware of U.S. state laws

globalnews.ca:

U.S. states targeting the LGBTQ2 community, Canada has updated its travel advisory for the country specifically advising people to check state and local laws before visiting.While overall travel advice around risk levels or health concerns has not changed for the U.S.

by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the department updated its “laws and culture” section specifically to add a section on considerations for the LGBTQ2 community.“Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons,” the advisory states, using the expanded term that includes reference to two-spirit, intersex and other sexualities.The advice includes a link to the Canadian government’s webpage for travel safety and advice for Canadians who are LGBTQ2.“Not all countries have the same values and legal system that we have in Canada. As a result, it is important for you to be informed about the legal framework and social customs governing sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in your destination country,” that page notes.The change marks a shift from just four months ago when several pieces of legislation in Florida prompted organizations including Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign to issue travel advisories of their own against coming to the state.When asked by Global News at the time if Canada intended on changing its own travel advisories or advising caution for the United States, GAC said it had issued advice specifically around threats to members of the community before, such as in Uganda.However, in May, the department did not say whether officials were weighing a similar warning to make note of laws in states like Florida or Tennessee in the travel advice it issues for the