Though there have always been multiple issues warranting a travel advisory to the United States from Canada, a new section was added recently due to the recent events in multiple states. In the past year, almost 500 bills, ranging from banning drag shows to limiting gender affirmative care and transgender participation in sports, have been proposed in 46 states and at least 83 have become laws. On August 26, the Canadian government added a section to their advisories for international travel to the United States.
“Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws,” the advisory said.
2SLGBTQI+ refers to two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, and all others who fit under the umbrella term. Jérémie Bérubé, a global affairs spokesman, sent out an email about the issue.
“Outside Canada, laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada. As a result, Canadians could face certain barriers and risks when they travel outside Canada,” Bérubé said.
According to the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, the decision to administer these advisories was based on professional advice. Global Affairs Canada, who made the decision, had the government’s and individual citizens’ interests and safety in mind.
Despite these possible arising issues, no Canadian has shared any problems they have encountered while visiting the United States. Due to the seeming lack of need to prepare differently, there has been quite a bit of talk if the advisory was necessary, yet it is still in place. Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor, believes there was no need to put the advisory in place.
“Travel advisories are meant to highlight things that threaten the safety of Canadian travelers, not things the govt. and its supporters disagree with. It’s about danger signaling, not virtue signaling,” Wiseman said.
Websites Used:
https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/4177990-canada-warns-travelers-to-us-about-anti-lgbtq-laws/
https://newrepublic.com/post/175252/canada-travel-advisory-warn-lgbtq-citizens
https://newrepublic.com/post/175252/canada-travel-advisory-warn-lgbtq-citizens
