Springsteen has cancelled scheduled concerts in North Carolina in what he called “the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.” The law bans transgender citizens from using a bathroom that does not match the gender on their birth certificate and curtails their rights to sue when their rights are violated in the workplace. Of the law, Springsteen said:

To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress.

In response, a North Carolinian congressman called Springsteen “a bully.” Because that’s what you are when you call attention to prejudice against vulnerable groups. How dare he. Read Springsteen’s full statement here.