Singers Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato have canceled two scheduled concerts in North Carolina over state legislation that critics view as anti-LGBT.
“After much thought and deliberation, Nick and I have decided to cancel our shows in Raleigh and Charlotte,” Lovato said in a statement to GLAAD on Monday. “One of our goals … has always been to create an atmosphere where every single attendee feels equal, included, and accepted for who they are.”
The singers, traveling the country for Honda Civic’s “Future Now” tour, were slated to appear in North Carolina cities Charlotte and Raleigh on June 30 and July 2.
Lovato and Jonas are the latest entertainers forced to address the question of performing in North Carolina after the state passed a bill known as the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act.
The law prohibits transgender people from using public restrooms that fit their gender identity and eliminated local protections for gay and transgender people.
GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis applauded the decision, saying the pair “continue to be fearless advocates for LGBT equality and acceptance. By taking a firm stand against North Carolina’s discriminatory HB2 law, they’re sending a clear message to fans and lawmakers alike: hate should never be tolerated.”
Read the full statement GLAAD:
After much thought and deliberation, Nick and I have decided to cancel our shows in Raleigh and Charlotte. One of our goals for the Honda Civic Tour: Future Now has always been to create an atmosphere where every single attendee feels equal, included, and accepted for who they are.
North Carolina’s discriminatory HB2 law is extremely disappointing, and it takes away some of the LGBT community’s most basic rights and protections. But we will not allow this to stop us from continuing to make progress for equality and acceptance.
We know the cancelation of these shows is disappointing to our fans, but we trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law.
#RepealHB2