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Canada Alerts LGBTQ+ Citizens of Potential Dangers of U.S. Travel

Canada Alerts LGBTQ+ Citizens of Potential Dangers of U.S. Travel

Canada passport and pride flag

The Canadian government is warning its citizens to read up on anti-LGBTQ+ laws in states they plan to visit.

Cwnewser

In light of the hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ laws being introduced and passed targeting LGBTQ+ people in the United States, the Canadian government is urging its citizens to consider their safety when traveling to their southern neighbor.

Canadians looking to travel to the U.S. are warned on Canada’s official webpage for travelers that places where LGBTQ+ laws have recently been enacted could pose dangers.

Across the United States, there were nearly triple as many anti-LGBTQ+ protests as in 2017, and Republicans are doing their best to restrict LGBTQ+ rights.

In an advisory titled “2SLGBTQI+ travelers,” Canadians are warned that their rights may be restricted depending on where in the U.S. they travel as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or intersex people.

“Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons,” the advisory warns. “Check relevant state and local laws.”

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said experts recommended adding the alert. Their responsibility is “to look carefully around the world and to monitor whether there are particular dangers to particular groups of Canadians,” she said, according to Reuters.

No details were provided on whether the U.S. State Department was consulted on the change to the travel site.

The overall risk profile of the United States remains unchanged, indicating regular security precautions when traveling.

As a result of proximity, the U.S. remains the top destination for Canadian travelers. Official data suggested last year that 4 percent of Canadians aged 15 and older identified as LGBTQ+, Reuters reports.

Also on the site are warnings about gun violence in the U.S.

“Incidences of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties. Although tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” the Canadian government warns. “Familiarize yourself on how to respond to an active shooter situation.”

The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency because of the expansion of laws that restrain queer lives in state capitols. Equality Florida recently issued a travel warning for LGBTQ+ people to stay away from the state because of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for president in 2024 with an extreme agenda that targets LGBTQ+ and Black communities, which he has implemented in the state.

Cwnewser
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Christopher Wiggins

Christopher Wiggins is a senior national reporter for The Advocate. He has a rich career in storytelling and highlighting underrepresented voices. Growing up in a bilingual household in Germany, his German mother and U.S. Army father exposed him to diverse cultures early on, influencing his appreciation for varied perspectives and communication. His work in Washington, D.C., primarily covers the nexus of public policy, politics, law, and LGBTQ+ issues. Wiggins' reporting focuses on revealing lesser-known stories within the LGBTQ+ community. Key moments in his career include traveling with Vice President Kamala Harris and interviewing her in the West Wing about LGBTQ+ support. In addition to his national and political reporting, Wiggins represents The Advocate in the White House Press Pool and is a member of several professional journalistic organizations, including the White House Correspondents’ Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and Society of Professional Journalists. His involvement in these groups highlights his commitment to ethical journalism and excellence in the field. Follow him on X/Twitter @CWNewser (https://twitter.com/CWNewser) and Threads @CWNewserDC (https://www.threads.net/@cwnewserdc).
Christopher Wiggins is a senior national reporter for The Advocate. He has a rich career in storytelling and highlighting underrepresented voices. Growing up in a bilingual household in Germany, his German mother and U.S. Army father exposed him to diverse cultures early on, influencing his appreciation for varied perspectives and communication. His work in Washington, D.C., primarily covers the nexus of public policy, politics, law, and LGBTQ+ issues. Wiggins' reporting focuses on revealing lesser-known stories within the LGBTQ+ community. Key moments in his career include traveling with Vice President Kamala Harris and interviewing her in the West Wing about LGBTQ+ support. In addition to his national and political reporting, Wiggins represents The Advocate in the White House Press Pool and is a member of several professional journalistic organizations, including the White House Correspondents’ Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and Society of Professional Journalists. His involvement in these groups highlights his commitment to ethical journalism and excellence in the field. Follow him on X/Twitter @CWNewser (https://twitter.com/CWNewser) and Threads @CWNewserDC (https://www.threads.net/@cwnewserdc).