Bruce Springsteen has cancelled a concert in North Carolina in protest over a law about which toilets transgender people use.
The new rule states that everyone should use facilities matching their birth gender. The 66-year-old rockstar says he wants to show solidarity with those opposed to it.
A statement from Bruce Springsteen on North Carolina: https://t.co/YahXTKffvV
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) April 8, 2016
Here's his full statement:
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.
Celebrities have taken to Twitter to show their support.
I â¤ï¸ Bruce @Springsteen.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 8, 2016
One more incredible reason to love Bruce Springsteen.Your integrity is inspiring! From one boss to another @springsteen thank you for NC! XO
— Melissa McCarthy (@melissamccarthy) April 9, 2016
It's about human rights. A big leap forward for the #lgbtq community. Good decision @springsteen
— Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) April 8, 2016
Bruce plays Croke Park on May 27th and 29th.
