Ringo Starr cancels North Carolina concert over anti-LGBT HB2
Ringo Starr is the latest celebrity to cancel an appearance in North Carolina over the state’s anti-LGBT HB2.
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 Beatles singer made a statement to ABC News on Wednesday saying that he had cancelled the performance set to take place in Cary, NC.
The All Starr concert cancellation is the latest act of defiance against the state, for passing the bill.
Starr said: “I’m sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred… Spread peace and love.”
Continuing, the singer said: “How sad that they feel that this group of people cannot be defended.”
Last weekend ‘The Boss’ Bruce Springsteen cancelled a performance in Greensboro, North Carolina, over the bill.
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.
Springsteen was accused of using “bully tactics” for cancelling the concert by one of the state’s Representatives.
But dozens of celebrities and hundreds of fans came to the defence of Springsteen, commending him for taking a stand.
McCrory yesterday issued an order attempting to water down the anti-LGBT law – but most of its provisions remain in place.
“After listening to people’s feedback for the past several weeks on this issue, I have come to the conclusion that there is a great deal of misinformation, misinterpretation, confusion, a lot of passion and frankly, selective outrage and hypocrisy, especially against the great state of North Carolina,” McCrory said in a statement.
“Based upon this feedback, I am taking action to affirm and improve the state’s commitment to privacy and equality.”
