London - The British Foreign Office has issued new travel advice for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, following the introduction of anti-LGBT laws in the US.
Previously, the Foreign Office only had general advice for LGBT people to take care abroad, but lacked specific advice for the US.
British tourists are advised of the dangers they may fall in to due to different attitudes while abroad, which can include public affection, especially in more rural areas.
The new guidance 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.”
“Before travelling please read our general travel advice for the LGBT community. You can find more detail on LGBT issues in the US on the website of the Human Rights Campaign.
Under new laws in the US, businesses in the state of South Carolina can “turn away” LGBT people on religious grounds. The state''s bathroom law, which has been described as antitrans, dictates that people must use the public toilet designated for the biological sex they were born with, rather than the gender they identify with.
Most recently, the states of Virginia and Tennessee have overturned a similar law.
Mississippi goes a step further, after Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill earlier in April, which critics call the most sweeping anti-LGBT legislation in the US. It allows people, religious organisations and certain businesses to refuse services due to their religious opposition to same sex marriage. The bill, known as House Bill 1523, also protects people who do not recognise the gender identity of transgender people.
Protesting the law, which is scheduled to become law on 1 July, are 95 authors urging state officials to repeal it. Musicians have also cancelled shows in the state in protest to the rules.
The Foreign Office's advice comes on the eve of President Barack Obama's visit to the UK.
The Foreign Office already advises LGBT travellers who are visiting Russia, which has a law against “gay propaganda”, and Turkey, where hate crimes against same-sex couples are prevalent, especially in rural areas.
Despite homosexuality being legal in Russia, there is still a strong intolerance and the Foreign Office has had reports of threats and acts of violence towards the LGBT community.
Dr Felicity Daly, director of the LGBT Kaleidoscope Trust said: “It is heartening the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is becoming more LGBT responsive in their work, it's a good sign as it is an important issue in the UK, but most people who identify as LGBT in the UK will already be aware of the nature of certain states.”
Matt Horwood of the charity 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.
The Independent