Canada Advises LGBTQ Travelers to Check Laws Before Visiting the United States
OTTAWA — In a recent move, the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory cautioning LGBTQ travelers against potential dangers in the United States. Citing the increase in anti-LGBTQ demonstrations and the rise of laws restricting LGBTQ rights, Canada now advises individuals from the LGBTQ community to check how they might be affected by recently passed laws in certain states.
This new advisory specifically targets individuals who identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or intersex, commonly referred to as 2SLGBTQI+. It urges them to familiarize themselves with relevant state and local laws before planning a trip to the United States. However, the advisory does not specify which states it is referring to.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and interests of all Canadians. While she did not disclose whether any talks were held with President Joe Biden’s administration prior to the advisory, Freeland stated that the measure was taken to ensure the well-being of Canadian citizens.
It is worth noting that the overall risk profile for traveling to the United States remains at the standard level, indicated by the color green. However, the Canadian government is taking these precautionary steps to ensure that specific groups of Canadians, including the LGBTQ community, are aware of potential risks associated with certain state laws.
The United States is a popular travel destination for Canadians, with numerous residents making trips south of the border every year. In June alone, approximately 2.8 million Canadians returned from their journeys to the United States. According to official data released last year, approximately 1 million Canadians, which accounts for 4% of the population aged 15 years and older in Canada, identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or as having another sexual orientation besides heterosexual.
The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ advocacy organization in the United States, recently declared a national state of emergency due to the proliferation of legislation aimed at regulating the lives of queer people. These developments underline the importance of Canada’s travel advisory, which seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ travelers.
The U.S. embassy in Ottawa has not yet provided any comment on Canada’s advisory.
In conclusion, Canada’s travel advisory serves as a reminder to LGBTQ travelers to be aware of potential legal implications and to stay informed about the laws in the states they plan to visit within the United States. By issuing this advisory, the Canadian government aims to promote the safety and security of all its citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.
