Celebs heap praise on Springsteen for taking a stand against North Carolina
Dozens of celebrities and hundreds of fans have heaped praise on Bruce Springsteen for speaking out against North Carolina’s new bigoted law, and for cancelling a concert in the state on principle.
Last month North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed law which voids all local ordinances protecting LGBT rights, as well as permitting businesses to discriminate against LGBT people on the grounds of religious belief.
The new law also bans transgender students in public schools from using their preferred bathroom.
McCrory’s decision has attracted a legal challenge as well as a growing boycott of the state, with over 100 companies slamming the decision.
The singer was set to perform in Greensboro, North Carolina on Sunday, but he has condemned the anti-LGBT law.
Springsteen released a statement yesterday condemning the law, and the politicians behind it, who he described as “people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognising the human rights of all”. He urged North Carolina to return to its Glory Days and void the law.
Among dozens of admirers, Miley Cyrus tweeted a picture of a news headline about Springsteen with heart emojis.
Ellen DeGeneres, James Corden, Alan Cumming, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tennis legend Billie Jean King were also among those to send messages of support to Springsteen.
Richard Branson, Virgin boss, wrote on Twitter: “applaud @springsteen for cancelling North Carolina gig over foul anti-LGBTQ law.”
Supporters of the bill, which basically allows discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and which bans local laws protecting LGBT people, have accused Springsteen of using “bully tactics”.
After Springsteen’s announcement, the guitarist from the E Street Band Steven Van Zandt said North Carolina’s anti-LGBT law is like an “evil virus” in explaining why their concert was cancelled for this Sunday.
