The theatrical circus group Cirque du Soleil has cancelled its upcoming shows in North Carolina to show its opposition to the state's enactment of a bathroom privacy law that imposes on people to use only public bathrooms on the basis of their biological sex.
Gay advocates see this as barring transgenders from using the facilities that correspond to their gender identity.
Meanwhile, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory said gay lobby is more powerful that the National Rifle Association (NRA) in response to the backlash that the state is getting over HB 2, the popular name of the new law, with corporations cancelling expansion plans and cities prohibiting unnecessary travel to North Carolina.
In a statement, Cirque du Soleil said it strongly believes in diversity and equality for every individual and is opposed to discrimination "in any form."
"The new HB2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all," it said. In response, it cancelled shows in OVO in Greensboro on April 20-24, Charlotte in July and at TORUK-Avatar in Raleigh in June.
The theatre group said it will resume shows in North Carolina "when this issue is addressed."
Rock stars Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr have also cancelled their shows in North Carolina because of the new law.
In response to the backlash, McCrory said the Human Rights Council is "more powerful than the NRA," according to NBC's "Meet the Press" and Huffington Post.
McCrory appeared to be referring to the Human Rights Campaign, which has criticised the new law.
"And they have millions of dollars, which makes me want to overturn [Citizens] United, because I don't know who their donors are, either. But they are putting on a lot of pressure, instead of having good dialogue," he said.
After he signed the law, McCrory issued an executive order that changed some of its provisions but maintained the bathroom use rule.
He allowed businesses to establish their own bathroom and locker room policies and expanded the state's employment policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
HB 2 was passed to stop the April 1 enforcement of a Charlotte ordinance that would have allowed transgenders to use bathrooms according to their gender identity.
McCrory said he wants changes in the bill but not the restroom use provision.
"I don't think the government should be telling the private sector what their restroom and shower law should be, to allow a man into a woman's restroom or shower facility at a YMCA, for example," he said, adding that Charlotte "overstepped" in its mandate.
