Canada issues travel advisory to LGBT people planning to visit the U.S.

The government of Canada has issued a travel advisory for LGBT people planning to visit the U.S. According to the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, "Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws."

In statements to the media, a spokesperson pointed out that certain U.S. states have passed laws banning drag shows and restricting transgender people from accessing gender-affirming medical care and participating in sports that do not correspond to their biological sex.

State Department response

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland declined to say whether President Biden had been briefed before the advisory was announced and expressed support for the updated travel recommendations. "Every Canadian government, very much including our government, needs to put at the center of everything we do the interests and the safety of every single Canadian, and of every single group of Canadians. ... That's what we're doing now. That's what we're always going to do." she said.

Asked about the Canadian initiative, a State Department spokesperson said: "The United States is committed to promoting tolerance, inclusion, justice, and dignity while helping to advance the equality and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons. We all must continue to do this work with our like-minded partners not only in the United States, not only in Canada, but throughout the world."