Bruce Springsteen shows solidarity with North Carolina LGBT community, canceling Greensboro show.
An hour ago Springsteen announced via his website that his upcoming April 8, Greensboro NC show will be canceled in response to the HB2 law. This law, recently passed by North Carolina’s house, senate, and signed into law by governor Pat McCrory makes it illegal for transgender people to use a bathroom for the gender they associate with. It also includes provisions allowing NC businesses to openly discriminate against LGBT employees.
Many artists and businesses have come out against the legislature, pulling out of North Carolina. Several governors have also put a ban on non essential travel to the state. Despite this, Mississippi recently passed similar legislation.
Those with tickets will receive a refund.
See below for the whole statement from The Boss.
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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