Beware Of Anti-LGBTQ Laws In The US — Warns Canada Travel Advisory: 'There Are Particular Dangers To Particular Groups'

Canada has issued a warning to its LGBTQ citizens planning to travel to the United States, citing potential discrimination and harassment due to anti-LGBTQ laws.

The Canadian government revealed an updated advisory urging its LGBTQ citizens to “check relevant state and local laws” before their visit. The advisory, however, did not specify which US states pose the most risk, reported The Hill.

The cautionary update comes amidst a significant increase in anti-LGBTQ state legislation in the U.S. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, nearly 500 such bills have been introduced in 46 states this year, with at least 83 becoming law. This figure more than doubles last year’s total.

In April, the St. Petersburg-based LGBTQ rights group, Equality Florida issued a similar travel advisory. The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ civil rights group in the US, followed suit with a warning of its own in the subsequent months.

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Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized that the travel advisory is not politically motivated, but aimed at ensuring the safety of Canadian citizens abroad.

“We have professionals in the government whose job is to look carefully around the world and to monitor whether there are particular dangers to particular groups of Canadians,” said Freeland.

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