Evangelist Franklin Graham says he’s “outraged” by the Atlantic Coast Conference’s decision to yank championship games from North Carolina because of its law barring transgender people from using bathrooms in accordance with their gender identities. The NBA has pulled next year’s All-Star game out of Charlotte, and the NCAA this week began the process of relocating seven championships from North Carolina, including the opening weekend of the men’s basketball tournament.
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To get a sense of the economic impact of these moves, we spoke to Steven Totten, a reporter with the Phoenix Business Journal.
In a statement released Wednesday supporting the decision, ACC Commissioner Swofford said that the decision was “one of principle”.
The Warriors star, who grew up in Charlotte, N.C., and attended Davidson College, gave a much stronger stance on House Bill 2 than he did when previously asked about the law back in April. “But North Carolina state law on discrimination is the same or very similar to that of 28 other states and the statutory law of the federal government”. AJC.com reported NCAA officials reached out to Kennesaw State representatives with interest in the school hosting soccer and lacrosse championships. Pat McCrory, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and state legislators who are “are coming under extreme pressure about the NC HB2 law which protects our women and children in bathrooms, dressing rooms, and locker rooms”.
In announcing the moves, the NCAA pointed out that North Carolina’s situation was unique in that it has the only statewide transgender bathroom law in the nation.
Graham, in a Facebook post on September 15, said North Carolina was being “bullied” by the ACC, the NCAA “and some of corporate America who are influenced by LGBT activists”. “North Carolina actively pursued restriction of certain rights”.
The policy states, “Any transgender student-athlete who is not taking hormone treatment related to gender transition may participate in sex-separated sports activities in accordance with his or her assigned birth gender”.
Southern Conference Commissioner John Iamarino told local media earlier the issue would be discussed in October. He said he is still getting used to the idea that his views on such issues are considered important. “I think people today feel disappointed, frustrated, ticked off or just plain sad, or a combination of all of the above”.
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After all, House Bill 2 supporters said it’s fine that the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act gives private organizations the freedom to operate allegedly unsecure, sex-offender friendly restrooms. “I strongly encourage all public and private institutions to both respect and allow our nation’s judicial system to proceed without economic threats or political retaliation toward the 22 states that are now challenging government overreach”.
