The NBA pulled the game from Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday in protest of a state law that requires transgender individuals to use the restroom that corresponds with the gender on their birth certificates, and not the one that matches their gender identity.
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The NBA is set to officially make an announcement of the replacement city in the weeks to come.
“We look forward to re-starting plans for our All-Star festivities in Charlotte for 2019 provided there is an appropriate resolution to this matter”, he said.
“The PGA of America strongly opposes North Carolina HB2”, the organization said in a statement that followed the NBA’s decision to yank its mid-season showcase event.
“The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events”, the league said in an official press release.
Warriors star Stephen Curry, a Charlotte native, said he was disappointed that his hometown won’t be hosting the game, but he understood the league’s position. But I wonder why they have not threatened China where they will be playing some games.
But Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of NC Values Coalition, which supports the bathroom law, criticized the NBA’s decision.
The email sent by Sabates was in response to Hornets President and COO Fred Whitfield’s letter about the league’s decision to move the All-Star Game.
“The fact is this-the North Carolina legislators and Governor Pat McCrory are exactly right for protecting the state’s women and children from pedophiles and sexually disturbed people who are looking for opportunities to take advantage”, Graham says on his Facebook page.
The law is also facing a federal court challenge, which has become a part of the Obama administration’s broader effort to force all public schools in the country to let students use whatever bathroom they want without restriction.
The law passed in a March special session also excludes sexual orientation and gender identity from anti-discrimination protections related to the workplace, hotels and restaurants; and overrules local anti-discrimination ordinances. For him being able to bring All-Star weekend to Charlotte.
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Pittenger’s letter points out that the basis for the decision is flawed, since the National Basketball Association continues to host preseason games in China and ignore the lack of regard for human life in that country.
