Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas announced the cancellation of the Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina shows on their " Honda Civic Tour: Future Now” today over the state's recent anti-queer legislation known as House Bill 2 (HB2).
The stars shared the news on their social media accounts, individually tweeting the following image along with the hashtag #RepealHB2.
GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis released a statement in support of the stars' decision to cancel their performances, which read, "Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas continue to be fearless advocates for LGBT equality and acceptance. 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."
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed House Bill 2 into law on March 23. Much of the backlash has emphasized the fact that the law prohibits transgender people from using the public restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. It also restricts cities from passing non-discrimination laws.
Other artists and performers have engaged in their own personal forms of protest in response to HB2, including Bruce Springsteen canceling a planned concert in the Tar Heel state. Others have gone through with their shows, with comedian Joel McHale donating "every single dime" from his Durham, North Carolina show to a local LGBTQ center.
Meanwhile, openly trans rocker Laura Jane Grace plans to use her upcoming concert as a "form of protest," while Dolly Parton plans to speak out about the legislation "from the stage" when she kicks off her Pure and Simple tour in Greensboro, North Carolina on June 3.
Thank you for your support, Nick and Demi!
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