International gay
travelers deterred by conservative U.S. policies

Many non-American gay and lesbian travelers avoid visiting the United States because of the country's conservative polices, according to a new study of over 7,500 people.

Community Marketing Inc. found that 68% of its study's respondents viewed U.S. policies as a deterrent to travel to the country. Canadian gays are the least likely to visit the United States, the study found. Canada has legalized same-sex marriage, while a measure to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage is supported by the nation's conservative legislators and President Bush.

The war in Iraq and the threat of terrorism in the United States also affected the decisions of gay travelers. But the country still holds considerable sway over tourists; 61% of gay and lesbian respondents from other countries have visited the United States. More information on the study is available at www.communitymarketinginc.com. (The Advocate)