NBA Moves All-star Game Over North Carolina Law

21 Jul 2016 | tshego

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced in a statement it will move its 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte, North Carolina in protest about a state law that it says discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

House Bill 2 (HB2), has invalidated some local anti-discrimination measures that protected LGBT people. The league however stated it had the hope of rescheduling the game for 2019, with the scheduled game’s new location yet to be determined.

“Since March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change,” the league said.

I recognize this was a tough decision for the NBA but I respect the choice. Discrimination of any kind cannot be allowed

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 22, 2016

“We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league. These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view.

“While we recognise that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.”

My official statement on the @NBA moving the 2017 All Star game out of North Carolina. #NBAfamily pic.twitter.com/65q0BBiKAU

— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) July 21, 2016

The NBA issued the following statement today regarding the 2017 NBA All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/2yo1YDA2Un

— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2016

Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said: “Today the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver sent a clear message that they won’t stand for discrimination against LGBTQ employees, players or fans. We appreciate the leadership of the NBA in standing up for equality and call once again on lawmakers to repeal this vile HB2 law.”