North Carolina's 'bathroom privacy law' finds opposition from celebs Cyndi Lauper, Ringo Starr; Christians rally in support of bill

CB Condez Thursday, April 14, 2016

House Bill 2 of North Carolina, commonly called the "bathroom privacy law," has garnered both flak from those who oppose it and support from those who agree with it. Two big names in the entertainment industry have recently expressed their disapproval while Christians conducted a rally to show their support.

Musician Ringo Starr poses in front of some of his photographs during a media event as he launches his book ''Photograph'' at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Britain, September 9, 2015. | REUTERS/STEFAN WERMUTH/FILES

Ringo Starr, popular for being part of The Beatles, has cancelled his June concert in Cary in support of those who are "fighting against the bigotry of HB2."

"I'm sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love," Starr said in a statement, as reported by ABC News, adding, "How sad that they feel that this group of people cannot be defended."

Singer-songwriter and LGBT activist Cyndi Lauper, meanwhile, will push through with her concert in Raleigh, but it is now aimed at building public support to repeal HB2. The profits of the concert, along with her manager's and agent's commissions, will all be donated to Equality North Carolina to support their effort in having HB2 reversed.

Singer Cyndi Lauper poses on the red carpet before the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York, June 18, 2015. | REUTERS/SHANNON STAPLETON

"I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness," she told ABC News. "If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how."

While many are against HB2, the Christian Action League of North Carolina and hundreds of Christians gathered in Raleigh on Monday to show that they support the bill signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory.

House Bill 2 titled the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act states that people have to use restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms and shower rooms based on their birth gender and not on their gender identity. This aims mainly at protecting women and girls from sexual predators. It reversed the ordinance in Charlotte that allowed people to use those facilities based on the gender an individual identifes themselves with.

"This is not an issue of discrimination; this is really protecting the rights of women and under-aged girls, and I think it's a significant day for us to take a stand," said African-American Pentecostal minister Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., as quoted by Christian Today.