Belinda Carlisle to Mississippi governor: 'You are making life hell on earth for many'
Wed. April 20, 2016 8:57 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
Go-Go’s founder says Mississippi’s anti-LGBT law is a no-go
Go-Go's founder and singer Belinda Carlisle on Tuesday said Gov. Phil Bryant is making life "hell on earth" for many Mississippians after signing the state's anti-LGBT bill into law.
In a statement released on Facebook, Carlisle wrote: "Nearly 30 years ago, I released a song titled 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth'. I was proud of the message of that song then and I continue to be proud of it today.
"Unfortunately, Governor Bryant, you and those around you are making life hell on earth for many Mississippians."
Carlisle, 57, continued: "Because of my career as a performer and the privilege that has brought to our family, my son will be all right.
"But the pain you're causing LGBTQ Mississippians is devastating, especially the transgender folks and LGBTQ people of colour who will be most directly impacted by these attacks."
Carlisle's only child, James Duke Mason, is openly gay and is an actor and political activist.
Calling into question religious motivations for the bill, Carlisle wrote: "As the very proud mother of a gay child I can't imagine anything less Christian than using the law as a weapon against others."
Carlisle revealed she nearly cancelled an April 23 concert in the state, but decided to proceed after conferring with various LGBT groups.
Mississippi's HB 1523 is considered by LGBT activists to be the worst of the anti-gay bills currently under consideration by state legislatures in the United States.
A longtime friend of the LGBT community, Carlisle headlined Chicago Pride Fest in 2014 and Milwaukee Pride Fest in 2012. At the time she told ChicagoPride.com, "I believe in equal rights for everyone and that means everyone."
In a statement released on Facebook, Carlisle wrote: "Nearly 30 years ago, I released a song titled 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth'. I was proud of the message of that song then and I continue to be proud of it today.
"Unfortunately, Governor Bryant, you and those around you are making life hell on earth for many Mississippians."
Carlisle, 57, continued: "Because of my career as a performer and the privilege that has brought to our family, my son will be all right.
"But the pain you're causing LGBTQ Mississippians is devastating, especially the transgender folks and LGBTQ people of colour who will be most directly impacted by these attacks."
Carlisle's only child, James Duke Mason, is openly gay and is an actor and political activist.
Calling into question religious motivations for the bill, Carlisle wrote: "As the very proud mother of a gay child I can't imagine anything less Christian than using the law as a weapon against others."
Carlisle revealed she nearly cancelled an April 23 concert in the state, but decided to proceed after conferring with various LGBT groups.
Mississippi's HB 1523 is considered by LGBT activists to be the worst of the anti-gay bills currently under consideration by state legislatures in the United States.
A longtime friend of the LGBT community, Carlisle headlined Chicago Pride Fest in 2014 and Milwaukee Pride Fest in 2012. At the time she told ChicagoPride.com, "I believe in equal rights for everyone and that means everyone."