Canada's Girl Guides bans travel to US in wake of Trump travel ban

Decision stems from their commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all girls and women

The Girl Guides of Canada are cancelling all trips to the United States in wake of travel restrictions placed by the Trump administration. The organisation is worried that some members may face trouble at the border.



Sarah Kiriliuks, spokesperson for the organisation stated their membership was diverse and inclusive and the leaders worried some girls may get left behind when the group tried to enter the US.

"This just speaks to the Girl Guides of Canada and our commitment to inclusivity," Kiriliuks said.

"We just want to make sure that no girl gets left behind."

The Guides have also changed the location of a major nationally sponsored trip, which was initially planned to be in California.

About 700 girls travel to international locations each year, spokeswoman Sarah Kiriliuk told The Huffington Post. The Guides also aren’t allowing trips that include connecting flights through the US.

“At Girl Guides of Canada, we know our members value the safe, inclusive and accepting space that Guiding provides,” organisation leadership wrote.

“This was a very difficult decision to make. We hope that members will appreciate this reflects our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all girls and women.”

Kiriliuk has emphasised that their decision to not travel to the US is not a political statement but a way to ensure all girls are safe.

“We want to make sure that there’s zero risk that a girl’s going to get left behind after fundraising, for a year, potentially,” she said.

When the previous travel ban was in effect, a number of Canadians reported facing problems entering the US. While no one from the Girl Guides organisation has been reported facing any problems, Kiriliuk said it's just a safety measure.



"There are so many uncertainties with the border, it’s in a fluid state, and we’re not sure how these rules will be enforced,” she said.

The travel ban is temporary and they may drop it in the future once things become clearer.

The story originally appeared in The Huffington Post