Ottawa (with files from Canadian Press/CTV) – Canada has updated its international travel advisories to warn members of the LGBTQ+ community that they may face discrimination if they travel to some places in the United States.
The move comes after at least 18 U.S. states passed laws that limit or ban certain things relevant to the community, including gender-affirming medical care for minors and teaching about sexual orientation in schools.
This was posted without fanfare on Tuesday August 29.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also warned in May that threats of violence against the LGBTQ+ community were becoming more frequent and intense.
Tuesday, Global Affairs Canada changed its U.S. travel advice to include a caveat for LGBTQ+ travellers because “some states have enacted laws and policies” that may affect them.
Unlike similar warnings for several other countries, such as Tanzania or Egypt, Canada’s U.S. warning doesn’t specify which states, or which of their laws or customs, are of concern. It only says travellers should check the local laws for their destination before travelling.
On a more general page about advice to international LGBTQ+ travellers, the government provides some links to resources to look up relevant laws around the world.
“Carefully consider whether you are comfortable visiting a destination where the laws and social customs affecting (LGBTQ+) people differ from those in Canada,” the government warns.
From the Canada.ca website:
2SLGBTQI+ travellers
Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
