\I've never desired to travel to the Middle East because first I am an American and second because I am gay. I often see travel advisories pop up on the news and I shake my head in agreement. Damn right I'm not going there.
But now another nation is warning its LGBT citizens about travel to the United States.
The Foreign Office has issued new guidelines for British people travelling to US states with anti-LGBT laws.
Previously, LGBT people were warned to “take care abroad” but there was no direct advice for travellers visiting the US until now.
The new advice reads: “The US is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards LGBT people differ hugely across the country. Laws vary from state to state.
“When you are physically present in a state, even temporarily, you are subject to that state’s laws. You must carry a passport showing that you have leave to enter or remain with you at all times.
“LGBT travellers may be affected by legislations passed recently in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi.”
The Foreign Office also directs LGBT tourists to the Human Rights Campaign website to get more information on visiting the US.
Both North Carolina and Mississippi have recently passed controversial anti-LGBT laws, which prompted the Foreign Office to make the change in guidelines.
North Carolina’s recently passed bill renders all non-discrimination ordinances across the state void, effectively legalising discrimination towards LGBT people, and also bans trans people from using their preferred bathrooms.
Meanwhile, Mississippi have passed their own anti-LGBT bill, which protects businesses and individuals who refuse to offer service to same-sex couples on the basis of ‘religious objections’.
Matt Horwood of Stonewall said: “What’s happened in Mississippi and North Carolina proves that equality is never secure. It’s positive to see the UK government recognise this need and update its travel advice pages accordingly.” – gaytimes.co.uk
I don't know about you, but I find this downright embarrassing! I wasn't alive back in the day, but I am not sure the UK even gave such warnings when lynching African-Americans was prevalent in the deep south. We should be ashamed as a nation about this poor image some of our states are making our country have.
Sorry Mississippi, North Carolina, and other backwards states. Just add tourist dollars to the tally of money you will be losing because of your laws.
h/t: gaytimes.co.uk
This could be one of the most
This could be one of the most ignorant things I have ever read: "I've never desired to travel to the Middle East because first I am an American and second because I am gay."
This article should be completely discredited.
Thanks for your comment, Seth
Thanks for your comment, Seth. I'm going to discredit your comment since you put your personal opinion in it , too.
Why should it be discredited if I don't wish to put my life at risk because of my nationality and my sexual orientation? If you don't understand that, then I throw the ignorance comment right back at you.
In reply to Ed B I would say
In reply to Ed B I would say this: yes, it's true that some individuals in the UK have less than developed ideas about the LGBT community but at least we don't have our government backing them up!
I find the laws abhorrent but
I find the laws abhorrent but the fact that any country issues warnings does not embarrass me, it makes me wonder if they've taken a good look at themselves. For one thing England is not that progressive regarding LGBTQ issues. They talk a good talk and have some good laws in place but they are unevenly enforced and gay bashing is alive and well outside of the major cities and there is a great deal of work needs to be done in working class sections of major cities. Ireland which passed marriage equality is still having issues regarding tolerance. It's getting better, and we probably will not see a regression as we seem to see in some states here in the U.S., but British travelers to NC and Miss. do not have to fear for their lives. They should however, avoid these states just in case they're tempted to leave their tourist dollars. Boycott out of principle, yes, out of fear, no.
Going someplace on “holiday”
Going someplace on "holiday" and being denied food, housing and possibly medical services when you get there is something to be feared in my book.
My husband and I are planning
My husband and I are planning on visiting Orlando in November, Iam sorry to say I have looked up the states laws to see if we have to worry. It is such a shame I felt I had to do this, It did not even cross my mind when we went to California a few years ago.
As a Floridian, the Northern
As a Floridian, the Northern part of Florida holds that southern bigoted mindset but Orlando on down is open and friendly to ALL people. Have a good time.
Shameful
Shameful