Gregg Allman Condemns 'Bathroom Bill,' Will Still Perform in NC

The singer added he hopes "our music unites people in this challenging time."

ByABC News
April 12, 2016, 6:43 PM

— -- Gregg Allman is the latest music star to voice criticism of a recent law passed by North Carolina known as the "bathroom bill," which many people consider to be discriminatory against the LGBT community.

Allman, who has a concert lined up in Greensboro, North Carolina, tomorrow, posted a message on his official website explaining that he opposes the legislation, as well as a similar law recently enacted in Mississippi.

"For over 45 years, I've been fortunate to play music all around this country and the world. I've been honored to know and be friends with many different people from all walks of life," wrote the singer.

"Although we, as a nation, have made progress in many areas, it's sad and infuriating that some, in 2016, are still working so hard to take the rights away from our brothers and sisters, as in the cases of 'bathroom laws' recently passed in North Carolina…and Mississippi…discriminating against the LGBT community."

He added, "I know that North Carolina is a state full of good folks and loyal fans, many of whom are angry about and feel misrepresented by this action. My band and I will continue to play our show as scheduled there tomorrow, April 13, and hope that our music unites people in this challenging time."

Allman finished his message by declaring that he and his band "stand in solidarity with the LGBT community urging [North Carolina Gov. Pat] McCrory to listen to the people and reverse this wrong."

Allman's message comes a few days after Jimmy Buffett announced that he would be going ahead with two shows scheduled in North Carolina next week, while also strongly criticizing the "bathroom bill," which he called a "stupid law." Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, meanwhile, canceled an April 10 show in Greensboro in protest over the legislation.

The "bathroom bill," also known as House Bill 2 and the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, was signed into law last month by Governor McCrory. It mandates that people must use bathrooms that match the sex that's indicated on their birth certificates, which opponents of the law argue is discriminatory toward the transgender community.

Today, Gov. McCrory announced an executive order addressing concerns about the bill.

"After listening to people’s feedback for the past several weeks on this issue, I have come to the conclusion that there is a great deal of misinformation, misinterpretation, confusion, a lot of passion and frankly, selective outrage and hypocrisy, especially against the great state of North Carolina," McCrory said in a video statement. "Based upon this feedback, I am taking action to affirm and improve the state’s commitment to privacy and equality."