Pearl Jam is latest to cancel NC concert over anti-LGBT law

Pearl Jam on Monday became the latest band to cancel a North Carolina show over the state’s bathroom law, which codifies which bathroom a transgender person must use.

“It is with deep consideration and much regret that we must cancel the Raleigh show in North Carolina on April 20th,” the band wrote in a statement on its website.

{mosads}It said the news would be “upsetting” to fans who had already bought tickets, adding that the band is “equally frustrated by the situation.”

“The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens,” Pearl Jam said in the statement.

“The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights is profound. We want America to be a place where no one can be turned away from a business because of who they love or fired from their job for who they are.”

For that reason, the band said it is joining other artists, businesses and those in the state who oppose the law in taking a stand against prejudice.

“We have communicated with local groups and will be providing them with funds to help facilitate progress on this issue,” the statement said.

“In the meantime we will be watching with hope and waiting in line for a time when we can return.

“Perhaps even celebrate.”

Pearl Jam joins other artists that have canceled their shows in North Carolina in opposition to the law that requires transgender people use bathrooms designated for the biological sex listed on their birth certificate. The law also restricts cities from passing nondiscrimination laws more broadly.

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr earlier this month canceled a concert in the state. Cirque du Soleil also scrapped its North Carolina shows over the law.