Legendary rock star Bruce Springsteen has pulled out of his North Carolina performance because of the State’s anti-LGBT laws.
Bruce Springsteen was the first star to pull out of an appearance in North Carolina during his tour, leading to questions as to whether Dolly Parton or Justin Bieber will do the same.
He was due to appear at the Greensboro Coliseum.
Springsteen said:
“As you, my fans, know I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law. HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress.
“Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th. Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”
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Springsteen’s move to boycott the state over its anti-LGBT laws follows the high profile dumping of the city, Charlotte, by Paypal who announced it was shelving plans to create 400 jobs and $3.6 million worth of investment in the State.
Paypal released a statement about their decision to effectively boycott the State saying,
“The new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture. As a result, PayPal will not move forward with our planned expansion into Charlotte.”
Last month North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed a law which will allow business owners to discriminate against LGBT people on the grounds of religious belief.
The law also requires trans people to use the public toilet that aligns with the gender that is on their birth certificate.
Other acts which are due to appear at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina include Dolly Parton, Justin Bieber, Josh Groban and Cirque du Soleil.
Dolly Parton has long been considered a LGBT ally. During an interview in 2014, Dolly Parton said she strongly believed in equal rights and marriage – before it became legal across the US.
“I think everyone should be with who they love,
“I don’t want to be controversial or stir up a bunch of trouble but people are going to love who they are going to love. I think gay couples should be allowed to marry. They should suffer just like us heterosexuals. Ha ha ha!”
A spokesman for the venue, Andrew Brown, said, according to CNN that no other performer has threatened to pull out over the measure.
“Obviously we’re concerned, but this is the first cancelation we’ve had.”
