The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has offered its views on the recent legislation passed in its home state of Tennessee about gender-affirming healthcare and public drag-show performances.
“These bigoted actions are especially concerning as we believe the intentional use of vague, inflammatory language will act as a gateway to encouraging acts of violence against the LGBTQ+ community,” said the industry body, joining protests against the bills and their potential impact.
“The music industry is built upon the work of artists, many of whom identify as trans, non-binary, genderqueer, and LGBTQ+. Legislation like this threatens the safety of artists and others, and will force businesses to reconsider holding events in this state,” added Music Biz, whose flagship conference takes place in Nashville.
While it stopped short of saying it would move that event, the body said that “the safety of our conference attendees is central to our Association and will be of paramount concern in planning future events under the Music Biz banner”.
(Disclosure: Music Ally and Music Biz are partners on the NY:LON Connect conference, which alternates between London and New York every year.)
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