In an effort to foster an all-inclusive NBA All-Star game in 2017 that recognizes “diversity and respect for others”, the National Basketball Association has chose to move next year’s festivities from Charlotte, NC, and relocate them to a city soon-to-be announced.
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The law, which was passed by the state’s general assembly during a special session in March, bans local municipalities from enacting non-discriminatory ordinances created to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
North Carolina law-makers passed legislation, commonly known as “House Bill 2” or “HB2”, which overturned legal protections which allowed transgender people to use toilet facilities consistent with their gender identity rather than those consistent with the gender assigned on their birth certificate.
Republican lawmakers and Governor Pat McCrory have resisted calls to repeal the law and have pledged to defend it in court.
The NBA said they hope to work out a deal for Charlotte to host the All-Star Game in 2019.
Moving the event out of the state follows similar moves by top entertainers that have canceled shows in North Carolina, including Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Boston, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and the group Cirque du Soleil. Jason Collins the first openly gay NBA player added, “As a member of the NBA family & as a gay man, I’m extremely proud to see the NBA take initiative & move the All Star Game from North Carolina. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we are disappointed we were unable to do so”, Hornets chairman and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said. However, the league expressed an interest in rescheduling the event in the city for 2019.
“Our weeklong schedule of All-Star events and activities is meant to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand”, a statement issued by the NBA read. Roberts said that the All-Star weekend would have been a great opportunity for North Carolina’s commercial hub to showcase what it got.
The NBA have indicated they will decide on a replacement venue for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in the coming weeks.
John Autry, Charlotte City Council member said he was deeply disappointed by the NBA’s decision, but “not surprised”.
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Now the National Basketball Association has stated that New Orleans is the front runner of the cities named to host the next All-Star game, but no final decision has been made yet. The NBA doesn’t feel comfortable hosting its annual festivities in the city because of the bill.
