“Complicated Business Trip? Navigating Abortion Bans and Anti-LGBTQ Laws

The business world has been thrown into disarray due to the recent spate of abortion bans and anti-LGBTQ laws that have been passed around the nation. With the right’s push to modify laws to make it more difficult for these vulnerable communities, business travel has been made increasingly difficult. For instance, CEOs and other officials now have to take into account potential obstacles to their missions when visiting certain states. Some states, such as Georgia and Alabama, recently adopted laws that would severely restrict access to abortion, meaning that companies in those locations may be put at an increased risk of boycotts and corporate pressure. It is not unheard of for CEOs to be fired from their positions if their companies are seen to be falling in line with even the most restrictive of laws. Additionally, these laws could complicate employee travel plans, as anyone employed by a company that has an inclusive policy towards LGBT people would be at risk of severe penalties such as jail time if they ventured into a state with an anti-LGBTQ policy. This would leave such companies struggling to ensure that their business objectives are met and employees are not exposed to dangerous conditions. Furthermore, in the wake of these laws, businesses have had to find new ways to work around restrictions on travel for those in the LGBTQ community, many of whom would be hard-pressed to find safe and accepting accommodations in places where they are not accepted. All in all, the recent laws passed by several states have created a complex and ever-changing atmosphere for business travel, putting those responsible for business objectives at a disadvantage. Companies will have to take extra measures to make sure their employees and mission objectives are not put at risk due to discriminatory laws. It is becoming increasingly clear that businesses have to choose their operating environment very carefully and pay careful attention to the policies of the places they choose to do business in.