Heavy metal band Slipknot taking a stand against bigotry in North Carolina
Heavy metal band Slipknot has partnered with North Carolina’s leading LGBT charity, and condemned the state’s anti-LGBT law.
North Carolina has lost a string of big investment ventures over Governor Pat McCrory’s decision to sign the contentious HB 2 – which voided all local ordinances protecting LGBT rights, banned transgender people from using their preferred bathroom, and permits businesses to discriminate against LGBT people on the grounds of religious belief.
McCrory continues to insist the anti-trans rules are “common sense” – but the state has faced a string of lawsuits over the law.
Celebrities including Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams and Sharon Stone have cancelled engagements in North Carolina and Mississippi, which introduced a similar law.
In a statement, veteran heavy metal band Slipknot said that would be partnering with Equality NC ahead of a show in the state.
It says: “When we started this tour, we had reservations about playing in North Carolina because of a law recently passed there called HB2.
“The law halts the rights of LGBTQ people, doesn’t allow for cities to pass a living wage for the working class.
“We believe that regardless of who you are, or what you believe in this country- and in our own metal community- that everyone should be given access to equal opportunities they need to succeed. This law flies in the face of those values.
“We believe that regardless of who you are, or who you love, you shouldn’t have to face hatred at home or in your community.
“Our fans in North Carolina deserve better, so we decided not to cancel. We don’t care where you pee- just please flush. It’s pretty simple, really.”
They added: “We’ve decided to partner with Equality NC, the LGBTQ advocacy group leading the fight against this hateful bill.
“You can talk to Equality NC at our show about how to get involved, and get registered to vote in NC.
“That way we won’t have to talk about this the next time we come back there.
“We’re coming to North Carolina to show our fans that they can make the difference needed to repeal this law and return their state to a place that welcomes everyone and values differences.”
