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

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.