Music Against the Anti-LGBT Law

In a statement issued Monday on the band’s website, Pearl Jam called the new law “a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens”. The Seattle rock group, who were scheduled to perform at PNC Arena in Raleigh joined Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen in boycotting the southeastern state due to the law.

Pearl Jam’s statement says the band has communicated with local groups and will give them money to oppose the law. The law, known as HB2, prevents transgender people from using the public restrooms that correspond with their gender identity, stating that public institutions must post signs saying that bathrooms and locker rooms are to be used only based on biological sex. It also prevents municipal governments from passing anti-discrimination laws.