New North Carolina law requires people to use the public restroom for the gender listed on their birth certificate even though they now identify with the opposite gender.

 

Once again the arts have proved to be first responders to social injustice

 

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has issued an executive order regarding the state’s new anti-LGBT law. The law bars transgender people from using the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity, and eliminates local ordinances against anti-LGBT discrimination. 

 

 

 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL WILL NOT PERFORM IN NORTH CAROLINA

 

Montréal – April 15, 2016 – Cirque du Soleil strongly believes in diversity and equality for every individual and is opposed to discrimination in any form. The new HB2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all

Just one of many artists refusing to go there:

“The American Theatre Critics Association”: An inclusive organization committed to diversity. Local and state laws that we regard as discriminatory shall be considered when planning and executing all association programs, activities and meetings. The association reserves the right not to enter into agreements or contracts where it perceives such laws exist.”

Cyndi Lauper                                                                                         Getty Images

Plus Major Artists protest against “bathroom bill”

Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffet, Cyndi Lauper, Ringo Starr, Michael Moore,

http://1059sunnyfm.cbslocal.com/2016/04/27/major-artists-boycott-north-carolina-in-protest-of-the-bathroom-bill/

 

 Laura Jane Grace, leader of punk band Against Me!, announced she’d be performing in North Carolina as “an act of protest.”

http://themuse.jezebel.com/against-me-will-play-a-show-in-north-carolina-to-prote-1770942762

 

Warhol Museum Director Protests North Carolina Restroom Law

http://artfcity.com/2016/04/25/warhol-museum-director-protests-north-carolina-restroom-law/

 

protests from across the world:

Pearl Jam cancel North Carolina concert over HB2 law - BBC ...

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36079415

 

 and even:

Porn giant joins protest against North Carolina transgender law

XHamster.com is showing users in the Tar Heel state blank screens instead of the usual fare of videos and photos.

http://www.cnet.com/news/porn-giant-joins-protest-against-north-carolina-transgender-law/#!

 

 And though relented with:

 

Gov. Pat McCrory: "You know, after listening to people’s feedback during the past several weeks on this issue, I have come to the conclusion that there is a great deal of misinformation, misinterpretation, confusion, passion and, frankly, selective outrage and hypocrisy, especially against the great state of North Carolina. But based on this feedback, I am taking action to affirm the state’s commitment to privacy and equality."

 

That the law even was conceived and announced is scary!!!

 

 But it’s not over yet:

 

North Carolina's 'bathroom law' could go on the ballot in November

Apr. 27, 2016

North Carolina state Sen. Tom Apodaca (R), the state Senate Rules chairman, said on Tuesday that he's considering placing the bathroom provision in the new anti-LGBT law on the ballot in November.

"If it were up to me, I'd just put it out to a vote of the people. Let them decide what they want to do...Let's put it on the ballot and get it over with once and for all. If the majority wants this, fine. If they don't, fine."

http://www.businessinsider.com/fate-of-north-carolinas-bathroom-law-may-be-in-voters-hands-2016-4

 

Associated people protest outside the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh, N.C.