Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas cancel NC shows, oppose HB2

WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas have pulled two North Carolina tour dates from their roster in protest against the state's House Bill 2, or "bathroom bill."

In a statement submitted to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation organization, the singing duo announced the cancellation of their scheduled concerts in Raleigh and Charlotte, saying the new legislation was "extremely disappointing."

"It takes away some of the LGBT community's most basic rights and protections," the joint statement continued. "But we will not allow this to stop us from continuing to make progress for equality and acceptance."

Lovato and Jonas, both 23 years old, join the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and Boston in their protest of the law. Rolling Stone reported other performers like Mumford & Sons, Cyndi Lauper, Alabama Shakes and Father John Misty continued on with their scheduled shows in the state, but donated the proceeds to organizations actively fighting to have the bill overturned.

"We know the cancelation of these shows is disappointing to our fans," Lovato and Jonas conclude, "but we trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law."

The HB2 Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act prohibits transgendered citizens from using the public bathroom labeled in accordance with their expressed gender. N.C. Gov. Pat McCroy signed the bill into law last month. It comes at a time when a similarly controversial bill was passed in Mississippi, protecting those who oppose gay marriage to actively refuse service to members of the LGBT community for religious reasons.

Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen and Tracy Morgan have announced the cancellation of shows in Mississippi in response to the legislation. Actor and singer Billy Ray Cyrus, father to Miley Cyrus, also spoke out against the bill, saying "I think everyone should be treated equal."

In response to singer Springsteen's backing out of any future shows in the state, Republican congressman Mark Walker said he was disappointed, calling the move a "bully tactic."

"It's like when a kid gets upset and says he's going to take his ball and go home," Walker told the Hollywood Reporter at the time.