Beyoncé raised eyebrows among some critics when she chose to go ahead with a show in North Carolina, despite the state’s recently introducing a new law which discriminates against members of the LGBT community.
While Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas are among the stars to have cancelled their scheduled concerts in the state since the ruling was made, Beyoncé decided to go ahead with her planned ‘Formation’ tour stop in Raleigh.
She’s now spoken out against the law, posting a lengthy statement on her website, encouraging her fans to get involved in projects that could help overturn the new laws.
Beyoncé said: “As the ‘Formation’ tour makes its stop in the Tar Heel state in the midst of such a controversial time, we think it is important for us to bring attention to those who are committed to being good and carrying on the message of equality in this core of controversy.
She also provided links to websites, urging her fans to lend their support to have the anti-LGBT laws overturned.
The new law, among other things, means some private businesses will be allowed to refuse service to members of the LGBT community, while also forbidding trans people from using the public bathroom corresponding to the gender they identify as. Church groups would also be allowed to deny adoption services to same-sex couples hoping to start a family.
Since beginning the promotion for her latest album, ‘Lemonade’, Beyoncé has been using her voice and platform to lend her support to various causes, most notably the Black Lives Matter movement, which she publicly backed in her ‘Formation’ music video, as well as its accompanying controversial performance at the Super Bowl.
Read her full statement below:
North Carolina has been drawing the attention of the masses for new legislation that blocks cities and local governments from passing anti-discrimination measures that could protect gay and transgender people.
It all began earlier this year when Charlotte passed a decree expanding North Carolina’s anti-discrimination laws allowing LGBT people protection in places of public accommodation. The ordinance, which was set to go into effect on April 1st, would allow transgender people to use the bathrooms of the gender they identify as, amongst other progressive rights.
Rather than accepting the progression in LGBT rights, that same night, legislators returned to the state house to overrule the ordinance that would ban discrimination against LGBT people. At a special session, North Carolina’s General Assembly proposed and passed the House Bill 2 (HB2) — what has now come to be known as the “Bathroom Bill.”
As The Formation World Tour makes its stop in the Tar Heel state in the midst of such a controversial time, we think it is important for us to bring attention to those who are committed to being good and carrying on the message of equality in this core of controversy.
Among the many organizations doing the good work to get this bill overturned, there is Equality NC, a local organization dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians.
To accomplish these goals, Equality NC tirelessly lobbies the North Carolina General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments, broadcast LGBT news, stories and content, and mobilize our communities on issues that matter, including marriage equality, parental rights, inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnerships, and HIV/AIDS.
Learn more about how you can support Equality NC by donating, volunteering, becoming an ambassador, attending an event, or simply spreading the word!