Ringo Starr Cancels NC Concert Over 'Bathroom Bill,' Cyndi Lauper Turns Hers Into a Rally
"We need to take a stand against this hatred," Starr said.
— -- Ringo Starr and Cyndi Lauper are the latest musicians to speak out against North Carolina's House Bill 2.
Starr announced today that he has canceled an upcoming concert in North Carolina in response to the "bathroom bill," which critics say places restrictions on members of the LGBT community.
In a statement obtained by ABC News, Starr revealed that he canceled his All Starr Tour performance in Cary, North Carolina, this June in an act of solidarity with those "fighting against the bigotry of HB2."
"I'm sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred," Starr said. "Spread peace and love.”
He added: "How sad that they feel that this group of people cannot be defended."
Meanwhile, Lauper told ABC News in a statement that she planned to turn her upcoming Raleigh concert into an event "to build public support to repeal HB2."
"I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina's efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort," she said. "I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness. If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how."
The "bathroom bill," also known as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, was signed into law last month by Governor Pat McCrory. The law mandates that people must use bathrooms that match the sex that is indicated on their birth certificates.
Opponents of the law argue that it is discriminatory towards the transgender community.
Starr is the latest of a number of celebrities who have spoken out against the passing of HB2.
Last week, Bruce Springsteen announced that he would cancel his upcoming concert in North Carolina, while earlier this week Jimmy Buffett and Gregg Allman spoke out against the bill, though they did not cancel their respective upcoming performances in the state.
Starr encouraged his fans to help him fight the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act by supporting organizations that are "fighting to overturn" the law.
On Tuesday, McCrory announced an executive order addressing concerns over the law.
"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."
