Maroon 5 has stated it will not perform their concert in North Carolina due to the recent passing of the law that is claimed to be anti-LGBT. The band originally was to perform in Charlotte and Raleigh on September 11th and 12th.
Maroon 5 has made the announcement clear and concise. They have canceled the performance due to the HB2 Law, a piece of legislation passed in March. The law states that individuals must use the restroom in accordance to the gender on their birth certificate. For transexual and transgender individuals, this would be classified as a law that's anti-LGBT and discriminatory.
Maroon 5 has been added to the list of musicians who have refused to do business with North Carolina. Ever since the passing of HB2, musicians such as PearlJam, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, and Bruce Springsteen have canceled their shows there as well. Even some larger companies such as the NBA have considered boycotting North Carolina.
It seems as though everyone besides North Carolina's government knows HB2 was a terrible idea. While risking jobs and losing opportunities for an increased economy, North Carolina is willing to risk their duality for their duality. In other words, their image is being destroyed while they intend to preserve their ways and opinions. What Maroon 5 did was wise on their behalf, and deserves recognition.
While governor of North Carolina Patrick McCrory had nothing to say about the band canceling their shows, his spokesperson certainly had some things to say. His spokesperson says that there have been hundreds of concerts performed since the law passed. From his statement, it seems as though North Carolina doesn't care that Maroon 5 has cancelled their shows. However, the same spokesperson intends to call the band "hypocrites", saying they cost jobs in the state by not performing.
Celebrities and stars like Maroon 5 are doing a great thing by voicing their opinions and showing what they believe in, regardless of the consequences. Sure, the fans in North Carolina cannot see them in September, but ultimately, it's their government's fault. The North Carolina government has simply created a law with a false paranoia. Truly I hope companies will discontinue business with North Carolina over the HB2 matter. It's about time conservative governments realize they are wrong by thinking differently of LGBT individuals. Hopefully by the end of the year, the HB2 law will be removed from effect, but until then, I hope more celebrities and businesses will voice their opinions by avoiding North Carolina.
