The Canadian Government has updated its travel advisory for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers to the US, citing anti-LGTBQ laws in several states as the reason.
“Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws,” reads the updated advisory posted on Tuesday. (“2SLGBTQI+" is an updated acronym with the “2S” referring to Two-Spirit).
The advisory warns 2SLGBTQI+ travellers in general "to watch for laws that criminalize same-sex activities and relationships, and people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, saying some countries may use laws related to “vagrancy”, “public nuisance” or “public morals” to criminalize 2SLGBTQI+ people."
In a CNN report, Global Affairs said in a statement that “Since the beginning of 2023, certain states in the U.S. have passed laws banning drag shows and restricting the transgender community from access to gender affirming care and from participation in sporting events.” Neither the statement nor the travel advisory single out specific states or laws.
Since the start of 2023, a new record has been set for the number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in legislatures across the US. At 417 so far, it's already twice the number of similar bills brought forth all last year. These have included Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill which Governor DeSantis signed that prohibits LGBTQ discussions in the classroom and a recent Tennessee ban on Drag Queen performances.
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