Maroon 5 axe North Carolina shows over state's anti-LGBT 'bathroom bill'

Maroon 5. Photo / Getty Images

Maroon 5 have axed their North Carolina shows over the American state's anti-LGBT "bathroom bill".

The band have decided to call off the planned concerts in Raleigh and Charlotte in protest over the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which decides which toilet a transgender person can use.

They wrote on Facebook: "We have announced that we will be canceling our upcoming shows in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina because of the recent passage of the HB2 legislation. This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band. We don't want to penalise our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right."

Maroon 5 follow in the footsteps of Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Boston, Ani DiFranco, the Cirque do Soleil and Ringo Starr, who also opted out of playing concerts in the state to make a stand against the newly-instated law.

Mumford and Sons decided to go ahead with their concert last month and donated the profits to a local LGBTQ group.

They said in a statement: "As a band that relishes welcoming everyone to our shows and promoting tolerance, we do want to take a stand with the people of North Carolina who this week are shouting loudly against intolerance, fear and discrimination.

"Over the years we've looked for ways to contribute to the vitality of local communities and, in that spirit, we're now creating a charitable fund to support those who have made it their mission to pursue love and justice. We will be donating all of our profits from this show to this new fund. And we will start by making a donation from it to a local LGBTQ group."