This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36000905
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Springsteen cancels North Carolina concert over 'anti-gay' law | Springsteen cancels North Carolina concert over 'anti-gay' law |
(35 minutes later) | |
Bruce Springsteen has cancelled a concert in North Carolina, joining business groups in condemning a state law that rolls back protection for gay and transgender people. | |
The law invalidated several local anti-discrimination measures that protected gay and transgender people. | The law invalidated several local anti-discrimination measures that protected gay and transgender people. |
It also requires people to use public toilets that correspond to the sex listed on their birth certificates. | |
Major companies like Apple and Bank of America have criticised the law. | Major companies like Apple and Bank of America have criticised the law. |
"Right now, there are many groups, business and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments," Springsteen said in a statement. | "Right now, there are many groups, business and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments," Springsteen said in a statement. |
"I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters." | "I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters." |
Springsteen and his band were scheduled to perform in Greensboro on Sunday. | Springsteen and his band were scheduled to perform in Greensboro on Sunday. |
On Tuesday, tech company Pay Pal dropped plans to expand in the state, pulling out about 400 jobs. | On Tuesday, tech company Pay Pal dropped plans to expand in the state, pulling out about 400 jobs. |
A television series for the streaming service Hulu decided to film in Canada rather than North Carolina because of the law. | A television series for the streaming service Hulu decided to film in Canada rather than North Carolina because of the law. |
There have also been calls to move major sporting events out of the state including the NBA All-Star Game. | There have also been calls to move major sporting events out of the state including the NBA All-Star Game. |
Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, defended the law calling it "common sense". He said news reports about the law and the backlash were "smearing our state in an inaccurate way". | Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, defended the law calling it "common sense". He said news reports about the law and the backlash were "smearing our state in an inaccurate way". |
Some supporters of the law said allowing transgender people to choose their restroom could lead to women and children being attacked. | Some supporters of the law said allowing transgender people to choose their restroom could lead to women and children being attacked. |
They said they feared that men could pose as transgender people and use legal protections as a cover. | They said they feared that men could pose as transgender people and use legal protections as a cover. |
North Carolina is one of a number of states in the southern US that have recently considered or enacted legislation that many deem anti-gay. | North Carolina is one of a number of states in the southern US that have recently considered or enacted legislation that many deem anti-gay. |
Last June, a US Supreme Court ruling made gay marriage legal nationwide. In response, conservatives have sought to enact protections for religious people who believe marriage should only be between a man and woman. | |
Last year, Indiana made changes to a "religious freedom" law after business groups and others threatened to boycott the state. The updated law included language that prohibited discrimination of any kind. | |
This week, Mississippi passed a religious freedom law. That measure, however, specifically allows people to refuse service to gay people on religious grounds. | This week, Mississippi passed a religious freedom law. That measure, however, specifically allows people to refuse service to gay people on religious grounds. |
Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal vetoed a similar bill in March after pressure from prominent firms including Coca-Cola and the Walt Disney Co. |