Ringo Starr Latest Artist to Cancel NC Show Over Bathroom Law

Ringo Starr has canceled his North Carolina concert scheduled for June 18 because of the state's so-called bathroom bill, following in the steps of Bruce Springsteen and other artists who say it's discriminatory against transgender people.

Rolling Stone magazine reported Wednesday that Starr was set to perform a concert at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina. That show has now been canceled because of House Bill 2, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which mandates that people use public bathrooms or changing facilities based on the "biological sex" stated on their birth certificates, according to ABC News.

The bill also prevents local municipalities from creating their own rules prohibiting discrimination in public places based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Starr said in a statement on his Facebook page that he believed the law "opens the door" to discrimination.

"I'm sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love," Starr said. "How sad that they feel that this group of people cannot be defended."

Last week, Springsteen canceled a concert in Greensboro, North Carolina that was slated for last Sunday, blaming the recent passage of House Bill 2.

"Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments," Springsteen said in his statement last week. "Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters."

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory this week issued an executive order clarifying House Bill 2, stating that the law applied to government facilities, and that private companies were free to establish their own policies in addressing bathroom facilities in regards to gender identity, National Public Radio reported.

"I have come to the conclusion that there is a great deal of misinformation, misinterpretation, confusion, a lot of passion and frankly, selective outrage and hypocrisy, especially against the great state of North Carolina," McCrory said in a video address Tuesday.

PayPal issued a statement last week announcing that it was canceling its expansion plans in Charlotte, North Carolina because of the law.

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