Throwing a tantrum. Crying over spilled milk. Cancelling a concert to stand up for what you believe in. To one North Carolina Congressman, these are all one and the same.
Bruce Springsteen decided to cancel his upcoming concert in Greensboro North Carolina, to protest a new law that’s known as HB2 or the ‘bathroom law’. While most people viewed Springsteen as a hero, Congressman Mark Walker hit back at Springsteen, saying it was a “bully tactic”.
“It’s like when a kid gets upset and says he’s going to take his ball and go home,” Walker said to a US reporter about Springsteen’s actions.
This ‘bathroom law’ dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. But it also affects the rights of North Carolina LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace.
Springsteen released a statement on his website to let his fans know that he would be cancelling his stop in North Carolina to support those who oppose this law.
‘’I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters.
‘’Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry – which is happening as I write – is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.’’ he said.
Despite the growing support for the abolition of the ‘bathroom law’, Walker said that the law will be there to protect the people of North Carolina and that it “doesn’t target the LGBTQ community; it targets impostors. It’s a little crazy to think sexual predators wouldn’t be devious enough to pull something off if they were free to go into any bathroom they want.”
Despite the backlash from Walker, Bruce’s cancellation has shed light on an issue that may have not made global news otherwise. Other celebrities, such as Ellen DeGeneres, James Corden and Tim Burgess are now standing in solidarity and praising Springsteen for his actions.
American actress Melissa McCarthy also showed her support for Bruce’s actions against the law that has been described as ‘anti-gay’. In a tweet sent out last Saturday, McCarthy said: “One more incredible reason to love Bruce Springsteen. Your integrity is inspiring! From one boss to another @springsteen thank you for NC!”
Even the porn site X-Hamster has come out in unity with Springsteen and has blocked the state of North Carolina from its network. A spokesman for the site has claimed that their actions may have a bigger impact because he believes that the porn has the power to do what Springsteen cannot.
Adam Daly
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