Canada Warns Travelers to US of Local Anti-LGBTQ Laws

Canada is warning travelers visiting the United States about anti-LGBTQ laws in some states.

The Canadian government's United States travel advice page now features a section for LGBTQ travelers.

"Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws," the site says.

The warning does not mention specific states. The U.S. is still rated at the lowest risk level possible. Travelers are told to "take normal security precautions."

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in 47 states so far this year. The only states that have not introduced anti-LGBTQ legislation this year are Delaware, Illinois and New York.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters that the updated travel guidelines were not politically motivated, according to The Hill.

“We have professionals in the government whose job is to look carefully around the world and to monitor whether there are particular dangers to particular groups of Canadians,” she said. “That’s their job and it’s the right thing to do.”