Bruce Springsteen cancels North Carolina gig over anti-gay law

LOS ANGELES, Apr 9:  Legendary rockstar Bruce Springsteen has called of his North Carolina concert in “solidarity” with those protesting against a state law that rolls back protection for gay and transgender people.
The state’s newly passed House Bill 2, dubbed the “bathroom law, ” dictates which public restrooms may be used by transgender individuals and prevents LBGT individuals to sue over human rights violations in the workplace, reported Us magazine.
“HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use.
“Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden,” the 66-year-old singer wrote.
He said he was taking action in the best way he knew by canceling the North Carolina leg of his The River tour.
“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. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10,” Springsteen wrote.
The singer asked fans’ forgiveness and urged them to see the bigger picture.
“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. 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 “Born to Run” hitmaker is the first artist to cancel a show over the passing of the controversial bill. (PTI)