The Lumineers insist upon gender-neutral toilets at North Carolina show

Folk rockers The Lumineers are set to test North Carolina’s controversial new anti-gay laws by offering fans gender-neutral bathrooms at their upcoming gig in the state.
The Ho Hey hitmakers are fiercely opposed to House Bill 2, commonly known as the Bathroom Bill, which was signed into law in March (16) and forces transgender residents to use gender-specific restrooms, and they’ll be making a stand against the legislation at a show in September (16).
The group will also donate proceeds from the Koka Booth Amphitheater show to charity.
A message posted on the band’s website reads: “We believe that music is a language that connects people globally rather than a medium for close-mindedness.
“We all thrive in communities where we can feel safe and welcome. As a band we are against discrimination of any kind and strive to create community everywhere we go. Moreover, we have (and love!) our broad and diverse fan base, touring family, staff and circle of friends – and we want all of them to feel safe and welcome at our shows.”
The Lumineers have also invited organisations fighting the legislation to collect donations at the gig.
Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Maroon 5, Ringo Starr, Pearl Jam, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas have axed plans to play in the state as a result of the legislation.
Last week (ends20May16), openly-gay star Sir Elton John attacked North Carolina lawmakers for passing the bill in a passionate essay for news site The Hill.
In the article, published on 17 May, he called out Governor Pat McCrory for signing the proposal into law, and added, “Forcing transgender people to use the bathroom of a gender with which they don’t identify isn’t just inconvenient or impractical. For many, especially young students still grappling with their transition, it can be traumatic, and at worst, unsafe.
“The failure of McCrory and other lawmakers to see this is a failure of compassion, a failure to recognize the difficult and frequently unwelcoming world transgender people must navigate every day, stigmatized by the fear and ignorance of others.”