The Boss decided last week not to make a stop in the state of North Carolina due to the passing of HB2, also referred to as the “bathroom” law.
Bruce Springsteen announced in a statement posted Friday on his Facebook page that he was canceling his April 10 concert in Greensboro, North Carolina in order to “show solidarity” with the LGBT citizens – who he called “freedom fighters” – opposing antidiscrimination law HB2. Springsteen is currently touring behind the reissue of his 1980 album “The River.”
“Some things are more important than a rock show,” said Springsteen, “and this fight against prejudice and bigotry… is one of them.”
Springsteen’s statement garnered over 290,000 shares and 400,000 likes on Facebook. Fans on his Facebook page seemed largely supportive of his decision, but altogether frustrated about the short window of time in which the cancellation was announced. Meanwhile, celebrities have shown support of Springsteen’s decision, including Ellen DeGeneres who tweeted out her appreciation of the move Friday.
North Carolina lawmakers passed House Bill 2, otherwise known as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, Wednesday. The bill alters North Carolina antidiscrimination laws, including prohibiting people from using a bathroom labeled by a gender other than the one printed on their birth certificate.
Springsteen joins companies such as Fox and A&E who have threatened to stop filming in the state after the bill was passed. PayPal canceled plans to open a global operations center in Charlotte, which was expected to supply 400 jobs.
This isn’t the first instance of a major entertainment industry boycott against anti-LGBT legislation. Disney previously threatened to boycott Georgia in response to HB 757, a bill that would make it illegal for “religious officials” to officiate a wedding that violated their religious beliefs. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal subsequently vetoed the bill.
