Artists Take a Stand Against House Bill 2 (HB2)
On Mon, April 25, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas both posted tweets with the same text image explaining how “after much thought and deliberation,” they have decided to cancel the Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina dates of their “Honda Civic Tour: Future Now” due to the state’s recent House Bill 2 (HB2), otherwise known as the “bathroom bill.”
The artists are among many acts that have cancelled shows in the state due to the controversial bill, which is preventing transgender people from using the bathrooms corresponding to the gender they identify with. Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, and Bryan Adams are some of the other artists who have cancelled shows in NC recently in response to the bill.
“One of our goals for the tour has always been to create an atmosphere where every single attendee feels equal, included, and accepted for who they are,” states Jonas’s and Lovato’s released statement.
Many are finding this unfair to fans in the state, but the two sum it up by saying, “We know the cancellation of these shows is disappointing to our fans, but we trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law.”
It will be interesting to see what other artists or bands will also take a stand against HB2 and cancel shows.