If you look at Europe, first world parts of Asia and North America, yes, for the most part, the U.S. is the absolute worst, most ignorant place when it comes to celiac disease. Part of that is due to lawsuit paranoia, part of it is public perception of celiac as just another stupid celebrity fad, and part of it is just plain "Don't inconvenience me, because I'm too important to give a d@mn about your problems" attitude that often greets even minor questions about the menu or cooking technique.

Nope, not even close. U.S. diagnosis rate, doctor education rate, food safety laws, public education, etc. are a good 20 years behind Europe and Canada. I've heard, but not experienced, that much of Africa and South America are also better for celiacs because they cook more from fresh ingredients and use fewer processed foods.