The United Kingdom government warns its LGBT citizens who will travel to Mississippi and North Carolina. It is relevant to the existing law these states have regarding the rights of LGBT individuals.
According to ABC News, the UK government posted in its website about a travel advisory for all LGBT citizens who plan to travel to Mississippi and North Carolina. Just recently, North Carolina adopted a law wherein LGBT individuals should use bathroom according to their sex identity at birth and not according to their sexual preferences. On the other hand, Mississippi has a law that allows establishments with religious objections to deny service to LGBT customers.
The travel advisory says that "The US is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards LGBT people differ hugely across the country. LGBT travelers may be affected by legislation passed recently in the states of North Carolina and Mississippi. Before traveling please read our general travel advice for the LGBT community."
According to The Washington Post, the travel advisory doesn't include any political statement but merely to warn its LGBT citizens before traveling to the two states. The travel advisory is posted in the UK government's website. Some of the warnings stipulated there are public display of affection within same-sex couples are best avoided while in public, if they receive any unwelcome remarks or negative comments, it is advised to ignore it and lastly, there are hotels in these states that don't accept bookings from same-sex couples so it is best to check first before going.
The adopted law in Mississippi and North Carolina sparks anger to LGBT individuals and organizations supporting it. Big companies such as PayPal Holdings and Deutsche Bank cancelled its projects in North Carolina because of the law which is supposed to give more jobs to people. Entertainers and celebrities also expressed their disappointment towards the law. Entertainers such as Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr cancelled concerts. Transgender's use of bathroom is also an on-going battle in the U.S. Cases of transgender students who filed for complaint on discrimination were filed.
On the other hand, LGBT community supporter, Target, is still vocal of its support towards lesbian and transgender individuals. Just recently, the retailer giant announced its move to allow transgender workers and customers to use bathroom of their choice. Target's support to LGBT has not any negative impact to its business.
Debates and protests on the rights of LGBT people are still happening in the U.S.
