North Carolina's controversial HB2 bill, commonly referred to as the bathroom bill, is a transphobic and homophobic bill causing a lot of outrage. While the main talking point of the bill is the ruling that you must use the bathroom of your assigned gender, the overarching language of the bill would make it possible for any employer to fire an employee for being gay or trans and not face and legal repercussions.
As a result of this archaic bill, many artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, and Pearl Jam, have cancelled shows in the state as a form of protest, with the idea that the state loses out on a ton of tax dollars from these entities. While Slipknot will not be cancelling their upcoming Charolette gig, they stand in solidarity with their LGBTQ fans and will be protesting from within. The band posted the following to their Facebook explaining their actions:
When we started this tour, we had reservations about playing in North Carolina because of a law recently passed there called HB2. The law halts the rights of LGBTQ people, doesn't allow for cities to pass a living wage for the working class. We believe that regardless of who you are, or what you believe in this country- and in our own metal community- that everyone should be given access to equal opportunities they need to succeed. This law flies in the face of those values.
We believe that regardless of who you are, or who you love, you shouldn't have to face hatred at home or in your community. Our fans in North Carolina deserve better, so we decided not to cancel. We don't care where you pee- just please flush. It's pretty simple, really.
We've decided to partner with Equality NC, the LGBTQ advocacy group leading the fight against this hateful bill. You can talk to Equality NC at our show about how to get involved, and get registered to vote in NC. That way we won't have to talk about this the next time we come back there. We're coming to North Carolina to show our fans that they can make the difference needed to repeal this law and return their state to a place that welcomes everyone and values differences.
I give Slipknot all the credit in the world for speaking up on this prejudiced bill.
Against Me!, which features trans vocalist Laura Jane Grace similarly played a North Carolina gig, where Grace symbolically burned her birth certificate in protest of the bill.
In related news, the band announced three new September shows with support from Deafheaven:
09/27 Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Convention Center
09/28 El Paso, TX @ Coliseum
09/30 Oklahoma, OK @ Chesapeake Arena
