Calls for Texas Governor to oppose anti-LGBT bill as a ton of A-list celebs protest
Pressure grows on Texas Governor Greg Abbott to oppose a controversial anti-LGBT bill, as the list of celebrities protesting it grows.
Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and a hoard of A-list celebrities signed an open letter to Texas last week over recent moves to introduce anti-LGBT legislation.
Over 140 musicians and artists signed the letter that encourages members of the Texas legislature to oppose any anti-LGBT measures that come before them.
Currently, the state is attempting to introduce a bill known as SB6, a piece of legislation similar to HB2 introduced in North Carolina last year.
It is currently sponsored by about 15 Republicans in the state.
Having hit out at the NFL earlier this month for saying it could boycott the state, the Governor said: “The NFL needs to concentrate on playing football and get the heck out of politics.”
Calls have now been made for the Governor to make his position clear.
It’s still unknown if the Governor fully supports the bill, though some have suggested recent rhetoric means he might.
As well as celebrities and the NFL, a number of businesses also oppose the bill.
State House Speaker, Joe Straus, suggested the bill would be bad for economic growth, but Lt Governor Dan Patrick has endorsed it.
The letter signed by celebrities last week, states that the “creative community is watching Texas”, before praising its people and contribution to “music, art and culture”.
Continuing, the letter seems to suggest, like they have done in North Carolina, many artists would boycott the state if any anti-LGBT legislation was introduced.
“We are also deeply troubled by the current legislation that would target the LGBTQ community in Texas,” it read.
“It is up to you whether these bills will become law and we are watching. It is up to us to commit to doing everything within our power to make sure all of our fans, crews and fellow artists feel safe and welcome, wherever we go.”
The letter is signed by a number of notable celebrities, including Ariana Grande, Sia, Jennifer Lawrence, recent Bafta winner Emma Stone and Mark Ronson.
Read the letter in full below:
