LGBTQ+ and Civil Rights Groups Issue Travel Advisory for Florida

May 25, 2023

Protesters wave pride flags as the join others, including immigrants rights and abortion rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community from across the state in a rally and march on May 1, 2023 in Orlando, Fla. [Image credit: John Raoux / AP file]

Cited article by AP News

HRRC is extremely concerned by the new discriminatory laws and policies in Florida which directly target the LGBTQ+ community, minorities, and immigrants. These laws and policies target basic freedoms and rights. They also pose a serious risk to the health and safety of those visiting the state.

Article Summary

The largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the U.S., Human Rights Campaign joined several civil rights groups including the NAACP, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC, the Florida Immigrant Coalition and Equality Florida, in issuing a travel advisory for Florida. The rights groups warn that new laws and policies in Florida may pose risks to gay, minority, and immigrant travelers. This follows last weekend's statement by the NAACP saying that Florida's laws are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”

In recent months, Florida governor Ron DeSantis and fellow Republican lawmakers have banned programs on diversity, equity and inclusion and critical race theory in state colleges, as well as removing books with gay characters from school libraries and banning gender-affirming care for minors. DeSantis also passed the "Stop WOKE Act", which limits race-based conversations in schools and businesses. "The actions taken by Governor DeSantis have created a shadow of fear within communities across the state," said Lydia Medrano, a LULAC vice president for the Southeast region.