ACLU Partners with Joe Walsh to Fight North Carolina’s Anti-LGBT Law
American singer-songwriter Joe Walsh announced he will give a portion of the proceeds from two upcoming shows in North Carolina to the ACLU to support its lawsuit fighting the anti-LGBT law House Bill 2, which removes protections for LGBT people and prohibits transgender people from using facilities that correspond to their gender identity.
Net profits from Walsh’s June 30 show in Charlotte and August 9 show in Raleigh will also go to Equality North Carolina. Both groups will be on site at the show to engage with attendees and enjoy Joe Walsh’s timeless classics.
In March, Lambda Legal, the ACLU, and the ACLU of North Carolina filed the lawsuit on behalf of LGBT clients in North Carolina who have been targeted by this discriminatory law.
Statement from ACLU of North Carolina Policy Director Sarah Preston:
“Now more than ever it’s important that we stand together to uplift LGBT people and to fight measures that threaten to harm us. Joe Walsh is using his music and his influence to demand equality and justice for all who are LGBT, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his courage and his generosity. Defeating dangerous legislation like North Carolina’s House Bill 2 takes bold action and sustained commitment. And that’s just what he’s bringing to this fight.”
Statement from Joe Walsh:
I have a few shows coming up in North Carolina: June 30th in Charlotte at the PNC Pavilion on my tour with Bad Company and August 9th in Raleigh at the Red Hat Amphitheater as part of my solo run. North Carolina has been in the news lately because of the new legislation passed (HB-2) that dictates which bathrooms transgender individuals are to use and overrules LGBT anti-discrimination measures passed by local governments in the state of North Carolina. It also deprives the rights of LGBT persons to fight back when their rights are denied in the workplace.
This legislation is deeply disconcerting and offensive to me and it hits close to home because, in addition to my diverse friends and peers from all walks of life, I have a gay stepson of whom I am very proud and that this legislation would directly affect. Because I am against discrimination of any kind, I encourage a full repeal of this law.
I believe that music is a language that connects people – without bias – and that my shows are a place where all are welcome and all can feel safe. This is why I have chosen to proceed with concert dates as planned in North Carolina and will be donating my net profits to Equality NC and the ACLU. Both of these organizations will be on site at my show passing out information and collecting donations. You can also find links to their pages on my website where you can get more information or make a donation. Please consider contributing to these organizations who are working to repeal HB-2 and join me in coming together to protect equal rights for everyone including our LGBT children today and for years to come.
With gratitude and love,
Joe Walsh
