Breaking: Pearl Jam Cancels North Carolina Concert Over ‘Despicable’ Anti-LGBT Law HB2

Iconic Rock Band Calls Anti-LGBT Law ‘A Despicable Piece of Legislation That Encourages Discrimination Against an Entire Group of American Citizens’

Pearl Jam is joining a growing, massive boycott of North Carolina in response to Governor Pat McCrory‘s anti-LGBT bill, HB2. 

“It is with deep consideration and much regret that we must cancel the Raleigh show in North Carolina on April 20th,” the group announced on Facebook minutes ago. “This will be upsetting to those who have tickets and you can be assured that we are equally frustrated by the situation.”

“The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens. The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights is profound. We want America to be a place where no one can be turned away from a business because of who they love or fired from their job for who they are,” they said in their statement, which included a photo of their hand-written note:

“It is for this reason that we must take a stand against prejudice, along with other artists and businesses, and join those in North Carolina who are working to oppose HB2 and repair what is currently unacceptable.”

The band says they “have communicated with local groups and will be providing them with funds to help facilitate progress on this issue,” and “will be watching with hope and waiting in line for a time when we can return. Perhaps even celebrate.”

Earlier Monday, the president of Duke University, a powerful institution in the Tar Heel State, called for a “full repeal.”

Pearl Jam joins the group Boston, who earlier today canceled their North Carolina concerts, and Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Cirque du Soleil, and Ani DiFranco, who are all boycotting the state.

A group of more than 160 CEO and business leaders signed a letter urging Gov. Pat McCrory to repeal HB2.

And Deutsche Bank, Paypal, and many others have either frozen or canceled plans to add hundreds of jobs to the state. 

 

EARLIER:

Politifact Just Rated Pat McCrory’s Latest Comment ‘Mostly False’ – Guess How Many Are True?

WATCH: North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory Just Got Interviewed on ‘Meet the Press.’ It Didn’t Go Well.

The Benham Brothers Are Going Nuts to Support Anti-LGBT Law HB2

 

Image via Facebook