Jimmy Buffett Slams North Carolina Law, but Won't Cancel Shows

— -- Jimmy Buffett has spoken out against North Carolina's Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, but said he will not cancel his planned performances in the state.

The singer, who has two shows scheduled in North Carolina next week, leveled some harsh criticism at the aforementioned legislation, calling it a "stupid law."

In a message posted on his official website, Margaritaville.com, Buffett explained that he'd "played many shows years ago, in many states where you could go to prison for 20 years for smoking a joint," maintaining that that "was a stupid law based on stupid assumptions."

He pointed out that "[t]ime has fortunately reversed a lot of that way of thinking. But now another stupid law, based on stupid assumptions, has sprung up like kudzu in North Carolina."

The Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, also known as the "bathroom bill" or House Bill 2, was signed into law last month by Governor Pat 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.

Buffett went on to say that he believes most of his fans feel the same way he does about the law, and out of loyalty to them, he intends to honor his commitment to play the two gigs -- on April 21 in Raleigh and April 23 in Charlotte.

"I am lucky enough to have found a job in the business of fun. These shows were booked and sold out long before the governor signed that stupid law," he said. "I am not going to let stupidity or bigotry trump fun for my loyal fans this year."

As for whether he'll play more concerts in North Carolina in the future, Buffett said it would "definitely depend on whether that stupid law is repealed. That is up to the good people of North Carolina and there are many, and I am confident that they will see that the right thing will be done. As Forrest [Gump] said, 'Stupid is as stupid does.'"

Last week, Bruce Springsteen canceled a show in Greensboro, citing HB2 as the reason. Last night, Ryan Adams announced that he had canceled an upcoming show in Biloxi, citing a new Mississippi law that will allow religious organizations and some businesses the right to refuse service to gay couples.