This blog originally appeared at NPR.

In a noteworthy move reflecting evolving global attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights, Canada has issued a travel advisory that has sent ripples across the border. This advisory comes in response to a series of new laws enacted in several U.S. states, which have raised concerns over LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms. In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of this significant development, exploring both the legislative changes in the United States and Canada’s decision to caution its citizens traveling southward. Join us as we examine the intersection of travel, human rights, and international diplomacy in an ever-changing world.

TORONTO — Canada has recently revised its travel advisory for the United States, cautioning members of the LGBTQ+ community about the existence of laws in some American states that could impact them.

The Global Affairs department of Canada did not explicitly mention which states these laws pertain to, but they are strongly advising travelers to research the local regulations of their destination before embarking on their journey.

Jérémie Bérubé, a spokesperson for Global Affairs, conveyed in an email statement on Thursday, “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.”

“Outside Canada, laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada,” the statement added. “As a result, Canadians could face certain barriers and risks when they travel outside Canada.”

Bérubé said no Canadians in the U.S. have complained to Global Affairs of how they were treated or kept from expressing their opinions about LGBTQ+ issues.

The Human Rights Campaign — the largest U.S.-based organization devoted to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans — in June declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S.

The NAACP in May issued a travel advisory for Florida warning potential tourists about recent laws and policies championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, including bills that ban gender-affirming care for minors, target drag shows, restrict discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms.

In Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders this year signed a law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom that matches their gender identity. Similar laws have been enacted in states such as Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Asked about the travel advisory change this week, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said travel advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada are based on advice from professionals in the department whose job it is to monitor for particular dangers.

“Every Canadian government needs to put at the center of everything we do the interests — and the safety — of every single Canadian and every single group of Canadians,” Freeland said.

She did not say whether her government had discussed the matter with its U.S. counterpart.

“It sounds like virtue-signaling by Global Affairs,” said Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.

“In no U.S. state, to my knowledge, has any government charged or discriminated against an LGBTQ+ traveler because of their sexual identity or orientation. This all strains the credibility of the department,” he added.

Click here to see full blog: https://www.npr.org/2023/09/01/1197169683/canada-issues-travel-advisory-warning-over-u-s-states-lgbtq-laws