A Florida-based LGBT advocacy group has issued a warning to visitors considering traveling or moving to the state.
Equality Florida issued the travel advisory in response to new laws the group claims “strip away basic rights & freedoms” from LGBT people. The group describes itself as an organization that works to improve the Sunshine State’s reputation as an “inclusive” environment.
“While losing conferences & top students who have written off FL threatens lasting damage to our state, it is most heartbreaking to hear from parents who are selling their homes & moving because school censorship, book bans & health care restrictions have made their home state less safe for their children, ” Equality Florida said. “We understand everyone must weigh the risks and decide what is best for their safety, but whether you stay away, leave or remain we ask that you join us in countering these relentless attacks.” (RELATED: LGBT Activists, Parents Sue Florida Over Gender Transition Ban For Kids)
BREAKING: Today, we took the extraordinary step of issuing a travel advisory, warning of the risks posed to the health, safety, and freedom of those considering short or long term travel, or relocation to the state. pic.twitter.com/Wt8I5r90w9
— Equality Florida (@equalityfl) April 12, 2023
The organization’s official advisory states that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “extremist” policies have made the state inhospitable to businesses and individuals that dissent from conservative ideology.
“Already, the adopted and proposed policies detailed in the travel advisory have led Florida parents to consider relocating, prospective students to cross Florida colleges and universities off their lists, events and conferences to cancel future gatherings and the United States military to offer redeployment for service members whose families are now unsafe in the state.”
The organization specifically mentioned Parental Rights In Education Act, which critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The law bans classroom discussions of gender and sexuality in grades K-3 and requires that discussions of those topics in later grades be age appropriate. The group also took issue with measures banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training in universities and businesses and expanding concealed carry rights.