Canada has updated its international travel advisory to warn LGBTQ+ travelers visiting the U.S. that they may face discrimination and possible harassment in some states due to anti-LGBTQ laws.
The updated travel advisory said “some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ [two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning, intersex, and more] persons.”
The advisory did not identify specific states or policies but urges LGBTQ+ Canadians visiting the U.S. to “check relevant state and local laws.”
Nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in the U.S. this year, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Eighty-six have become law. Many of the bills target transgender rights, including restricting access to gender-affirming care and blocking participation in sports, or banning drag shows.
Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the travel advisory, telling reporters on Tuesday: “I know that our travel advisories are done very professionally.”
“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,” Freeland added, according to the Hill. “That’s their job and it’s the right thing to do.”
