Demi Lovato And Nick Jonas Cancel North Carolina Gigs Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas have followed in the footsteps of Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr, Boston and more by cancelling their North Carolina gigs over the anti-LBGTQ+ law, House Bill 2 (known as HB2).

Copyright [Steve Granitz/WireImage]

The new law legislates that transgender people have to use bathrooms in relation to the sex listed on their birth certificates, rather than allowing them to use bathrooms corresponding to the gender they identify as.

The law also reverses local ordinances protecting the trans and LGBTQ+ community and invalidates anti-discrimination measures, which relates to important issues such as employment and public accommodation.

Demi and Nick were due to play two gigs in North Carolina - Charlotte on June 30 and Raleigh on July 2.

However, in a statement released to GLAAD, the two have decided to stand against the new legislation, explaining: “After much thought and deliberation, Nick and I have decided to cancel our shows in Raleigh and Charlotte.

Copyright [Instagram/Nick Jonas]

“One of our goals for the Honda Civic Tour: Future Now 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.

“We know the cancelation of these shows is disappointing to our fans, but we trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law.#RepealHB2.”

The two performing together in 2014. Copyright [Jen Lowery/Splash News]

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO, responded: “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.”