Britain is renowned throughout the world for being very tolerant of issues of race, gender equality, and virtually any other controversial issue. The Foreign Office which deals with matters of foreign policy is normally loath to publish warnings against certain areas of the world, especially the United States Of America, with whom we allegedly have a special relationship. This travel warning was published just days before President Obama is due to fly into England for a visit…. awkward.
The Human Rights Council (HRC) issued the following statement:
“It is both frightening and embarrassing that one of our nation’s staunchest allies has warned its citizens of the risks of traveling to North Carolina and Mississippi because of anti-LGBT laws passed by their elected officials,” said Ty Cobb, Director of HRC Global. “It is now more clear than ever that these terrible measures are not only harming individuals and taking an economic toll on the states, but are also causing serious damage to our nation’s reputation, and the perceived safety of LGBT people who travel here.”
North Carolina’s H.B. 2 has eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people and prevents such protections from being passed by cities in the future. In addition, the legislation prevents transgender students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. It also compels the same type of discrimination against transgender people to take place in publicly-owned buildings, including in public universities, major airports, and convention centers. Further, HB 2 revokes the ability to sue under state employment non-discrimination law on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, religion, national origin, and sex.
North Carolina, passed this law in one sitting, and Governor Pat Mcrory took no chances by then signing the new legislation instantly therefore making it an official law. Not every resident or legal expert in North Carolina agrees with North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper for instance openly saying that when the legal challenges go to court, he will refuse to defend it in any way shape or form.
North Carolina now has what many would consider the unwelcome distinction of being the first state to enact such draconian laws. When other states are rejecting these controversial laws, North Carolina seems to have raced headlong into the abyss. Tennesse for instance recently pulled all their legislation after a huge negative response from many medical and education groups and some high profile country music stars.
LGBT Mississippians in some of the most important aspects of their lives, including at work, at school and in their communities. Tax-payer funded faith-based organizations could: refuse to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples for provision of critical services including emergency shelter; deny children in need of loving homes placement with LGBT families including the child’s own family member; and refuse to sell or rent a for-profit home to an LGBT person — even if the organization receives government funding. It would also give foster families the freedom to subject an LGBTQ child or a pregnant unwed girl to abuse, without fear of government intervention or license suspension.
Furthermore, under H.B. 1523 schools, employers, and service providers could refuse transgender people access to appropriate sex-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity — all in direct conflict with the U.S. Department of Justice’s enforcement of federal law. HB 1523 even legalizes Kim Davis-style discrimination by allowing government employees to abdicate their duties and refuse to license or solemnize marriages for LGBT people.
It shows, just how seriously the British government are taking these new developments, so if you are considering a visit to the United Staes in the near future, you might want to consider which states you choose to visit, and it might be just as important to demonstrate your feelings by voting with your feet. That is simply the only way to make your voice really heard.