Cirque du Soleil cancels North Carolina gigs over HB2
Cirque du Soleil has cancelled gigs in North Carolina over the state’s new anti-LGBT law.
The famed circus troupe tweeted to say that it would not perform in the state, since the law was passed and signed by Governor Pat McCrory.
Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr are among celebrities to ditch appearances in the state after Governor Pat McCrory signed HB2, a ‘religious freedom’ bill into law.
As well as allowing discrimination against LGBT people, the bill, passed in a specially called session, actually rolled back pre-existing local protections for LGBT rights.
Cirque du Soleil tweeted on Friday: “#CirqueduSoleil is opposed to discrimination in any form. Due to #HB2, we are canceling shows in #NorthCarolina”.
The troupe also posted a longer statement on Facebook condemning the law.
Hundreds of business leaders have urged the repeal of North Carolina’s HB2, and multiple celebrities have pulled out of appearances, including Ringo Starr and, Bruce Springsteen.
Springsteen was even 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.
Others such as Mumford and Sons and Cyndi Lauper have said they will appear but that they will donate their profits to LGBT rights organisations.
Mississippi also faces similar threats as Bryan Adams and Sharon Stone have pulled out of appearances there.
