North Carolina’s controversial “bathroom law” continues to cause business problems for the state, as Cirque du Soleil has announced it will not perform its scheduled shows in the state.
The theatrical production company announced Friday in a Facebook post that it would be cancelling its three upcoming shows in the state following the signing of the new law, which mandates transgender people use the restroom that correlates with their birth gender.
“Cirque du Soleil strongly believes in diversity and equality for every individual and is opposed to discrimination in any form,” the company’s post reads. “The new HB2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all.”
The company said it hopes customers “understand our motivation” and that it looks forward to performing in North Carolina “when this issue is addressed.” Until then, customers can get their ticket purchases reimbursed.
“Cirque du Soleil believes in equality for all. It is a principle that guides us with both our employees and our customers. We behave as change agents to reach our ultimate goal of making a better world with our actions and our productions,” the post says.
In addition to entertainment performance cancellations in North Carolina, such as Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams, major companies have cancelled expansion plans in the state following the signing of the law. Some state governors and city mayors have also banned official travel to North Carolina until HB2 is fully repealed.
