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Foreign Office issues new advice for British LGBT people travelling to US Foreign Office issues new advice for British LGBT people travelling to US
(about 1 hour later)
The Foreign Office has issued new travel advice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, following the introduction of anti-LGBT laws in the US.  The UK Government is warning gay people about travelling to parts of the US after two states introduced anti-gay laws.
Previously, the Foreign Office only had general advice for LGBT people to "take care abroad", but lacked specific advice for the US. The Foreign Office issued the new advice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the wake of new legislation in North Carolina and Mississippi.
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.  It follows the introduction last month of new legislation passed in North Carlina that allows businesses to “turn away” LGBT people on religious grounds.
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. The state's bathroom law, which has been described as "anti-trans", says people must use the public toilet designated for the biological sex they were born with, rather than the gender they identify with. Virginia and Tenneesee have recently overturned a similar law.
In Mississippi, critics have branded a bill passed three weeks ago that allows people to deny services to gay couples on religious grounds the most sweeping anti-LGBT legislation in the US.
Supporters have said it will protect religious freedom, but others have condemned it as a free pass to discrimination. It is scheduled to become law on 1 July.
The new Foreign Office advice states: “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.”“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.“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 wesbite of the Human Rights Campaign.""You can find more detail on LGBT issues in the US on the wesbite 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 "anti-trans", dictates that people must use the public toilet designated for the biological sex they were born with, rather than the gender they identifgy with. The bill in North Carolina, known as House Bill 1523, also protects people who do not recognise the gender identity of transgender people. 
Most recently, the states of Virginia and Tenneesee have overturned a similar law. Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Ringo Starr have all cancelled concerts in North Carolina over the bill in that state, while Bryan Adams has done the same in Mississippi.
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 US president Barack Obama’s visit to the UK. 
The Foreign Office already advises LGBT travellers who are visiting Russia, which has a “gay propaganda” law, 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.”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 Stonewall charity said: “What’s happened in Mississippi and North Carolina proves that equality is never secure.Matt Horwood of Stonewall charity 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.""It’s positive to see the UK government recognise this need and update its travel advice pages accordingly."
The Foreign Office's advice comes on the eve of US president Barack Obama’s visit to the UK.