Bruce Springsteen Cancels North Carolina Concert Over Bathroom Bill

Bruce Springsteen is taking a stand for the LGBT community.

The music superstar has canceled an upcoming show in North
Carolina in protest over the state’s House Bill 2, known as the “bathroom
bill,” which requires transgender people to use public restrooms that
correspond with the biological sex listed on their birth certificate. In
addition, the legislation blocks local anti-discrimination ordinances.

Springsteen took to his official website and Facebook page
on Friday to share the news, and explain why he believes the law, signed on
March 24, “attacks the rights of LGBT citizens.” 

Bruce-Springsteen-on-the-steps-at-The-Lincoln-Memorial
(Kevin Mazur/HBO)

“No
other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden,” he wrote. “To
my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country
has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn
that progress. … Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time
for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters.”

Springsteen
clarified that tickets would be refunded and apologized to fans planning on
attending the show, but said that he believes his decision is serving a larger
purpose. 

WATCH: Laverne Cox Commends Miley Cyrus For Raising LGBT Awareness

“Some
things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and
bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them,” he continued.
“It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to
those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”

The
rocker is not alone in his dissent. Major companies including Apple, PayPal,
Google and American Airlines have publicly opposed HB2, and the New York Times
reported that the Obama administration is reviewing whether the law
disqualifies North Carolina from receiving federal funding.

Springsteen
and the E Street Band are currently on tour in support of the 35th anniversary
of their seminal album “The River.” 

— Erin Biglow

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