United Kingdom Warns LGBT Tourists About Risks Associated With Visiting North Carolina And Mississippi
The United Kingdom has warned members of the LGBT community about potential travel risks associated with visiting the United States, particularly North Carolina and Mississippi. The U.K.’s Foreign Office notes that LGBT travelers should be aware of all state and local laws when traveling to the United States. It was pointed out to those in the LGBT community that travel to North Carolina and Mississippi may present challenges to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender due to recently passed laws.
The U.K.’s official government website has spelled out some concerns regarding LGBT travelers hoping to visit North Carolina or Mississippi. The travel advice section of the website reveals that LGBT travelers will find that the United States is an “extremely diverse society” when it comes to the acceptance of those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. However, the website reveals that two states in particular, North Carolina and Mississippi, may prove more difficult for LGBT members.
“The U.S. is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards LGBT people differ hugely across the country. LGBT travellers may be affected by legislation passed recently in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi. Before travelling please read our general travel advice for the LGBT community. You can find more detail on LGBT issues in the U.S. on the website of the Human Rights Campaign.”
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The warning stems from legislation passed in Mississippi and North Carolina regarding LGBT members. Mississippi recently passed legislation that makes it illegal for “businesses, social workers and public employees to be punished for denying services based on the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.” It also included stipulations that these individuals and business cannot be punished for believing that “sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.”
UK issues LGBT travel advice for North Carolina and Mississippihttps://t.co/xSx6MtAwxY
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North Carolina was also included in the warning as the state recently imposed a ban on local anti-discrimination ordinances allowing transgender individuals to use bathroom facilities of their preference. This means that transgender individuals traveling to North Carolina would be forced to utilize the restroom of their sex at birth, not the gender of which they identify. Therefore, the United Kingdom Foreign Office felt it was necessary to warn potential travelers of the new laws and affects it could have on members of the U.K. visiting both Mississippi and North Carolina.
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In addition to the warning about travel to the United States, the Foreign Office includes specific advice for LGBT travelers to follow while traveling abroad to any country outside of the United Kingdom. The advice includes things such as not showing too much affection in public, use discretion in “rural areas,” and to check to ensure that hotel accommodations accept gay couples before booking.
“Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) travellers around the world can be very different from those in the UK. However, you’re unlikely to have any problems if you prepare well and research your destination before you go.”
Travelers are told to invest in a good guidebook catered to the LGBT community that includes information specific to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender travelers. The Foreign Office notes that should a LGBT traveler experience problems while abroad, the local embassy may be able to help them in situations where they do not feel comfortable going to local law enforcement.
“Our embassy staff will help you if you run into problems overseas, especially if you feel that you can’t approach the local police. We won’t make generalisations, assumptions or pass judgement.”
What do you think about the United Kingdom warning LGBT travelers about potential risks associated with visiting Mississippi and North Carolina?
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