STATE OF AFFAIRS

Nick Jonas Busts Out His Guns In The Spirit Of Equality

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It should come as little surprise that Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato aren’t down with North Carolina’s ugly HB2 law, and now the two singers have become the latest in a string of artists to cancel appearances in the state.

“After much thought and deliberation, we have decided to cancel our Honda Civic Tour: Future Now shows in Rayleigh and Charlotte,” the duo posted together on social media. “One of our goals for the tour has always been to create an atmosphere where every single attendee feels equal, included, and accepted for who they are.

“North Carolina’s discriminatory HB2 law is extremely disappointing, and it takes away some of the LGBT community’s most basic rights and protections. But we will not allow this to stop us from continuing to make progress for equality and acceptance.”

They added: “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.”

Jo-vato join acts like Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Star in canceling gigs over the law, which makes life worse for just about everyone: trans people aren’t allowed to use the bathroom that matches their gender; cities aren’t allowed to protect LGBTs from discrimination; minimum wages cut; fired workers now have fewer protections.

Other acts like Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton and Duran Duran have chosen to move forward with NC appearances, but still make it the focus of their shows.

Lauper announced all profits from her June 4 show in Raleigh will go to support the fight against HB2, while Duran Duran launched a petition to repeal HB2 during their performance, urging those in attendance to sign. Dolly defended her decision by saying she can “address [HB2] from the stage.”

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