Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato attend the Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 2, 2016. (2016 Getty Images)
Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas are joining Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Cirque du Soleil and others in canceling shows in North Carolina to protest the state’s new anti-transgender law.
The former Disney Channel stars issued a statement on Twitter on Monday saying they will not perform in Raleigh and Charlotte this summer because a goal of their concerts is to allow every person to feel equal, included and accepted.
“North Carolina’s discriminatory HB2 law is extremely disappointing, and it takes away some of the LGBT community’s most basic rights and protections,” the duo wrote. “But we will not allow this to stop us from continuing to make progress for equality and acceptance.”
“We know the cancellation of these shows is disappointing to our fans, but we trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law,” the statement ended.
North Carolina’s controversial HB2 law blocks local and state protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and directs which restrooms transgender people can use in public buildings.
Dozens protested the law late Monday as legislators returned to start their session.
Other artists boycotting include Bryan Adams, Boston, Ringo Starr and Blue Man Group. Meanwhile, Mumford & Sons, Cyndi Lauper, Alabama Shakes and Father John Misty have carried on with their planned shows but said all proceeds will benefit organizations in the state actively fighting the bill.
Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, supported Jonas and Lovato for their decision to cancel their shows.
"Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas continue to be fearless advocates for LGBT equality and acceptance," Ellis said in a statement, according to RollingStone.com. "By taking a firm stand against North Carolina's discriminatory HB2 law, they're sending a clear message to fans and lawmakers alike: hate should never be tolerated."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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