Violinist Itzhak Perlman cancels performance over LGBT law

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — World-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman said he canceled his Wednesday performance with the North Carolina Symphony after he was told he would not be able to include a personal statement opposing the state's new law limiting antidiscrimination policies for LGBT people in the event program.

Perlman, who contracted polio as a child and learned to walk using crutches, said he is concerned the law erases protections for minorities and people who are disabled.

The North Carolina Republican Party immediately responded with a comment calling the cancellation an example of "hypocrisy and selective outrage from the far-left that does nothing but hurt ordinary North Carolinians."

Popstar Elton John also lambasted North Carolina lawmakers in an editorial for D.C.-based political news source The Hill on Tuesday, saying continued support of the law shows ignorance and lack of compassion for vulnerable groups.