NBA Relocating 2017 All-Star Game Due To North Carolina Anti-LGBT Law
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NBA pulled next year's All-Star Game out of Charlotte on Thursday in response to North Carolina's law targeting the LGBT community.
House Bill 2, signed by Gov. Pat McCrory earlier this year, mandates that transgender people use public restrooms corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates, omits LGBT people from the state's anti-discrimination protections and forbids local governments from expanding LGBT protections.
"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 NBA said in a statement. "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.
"Our week-long schedule of All-Star events and activities is intended to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand, and to bring together all members of the NBA community – current and former players, league and team officials, business partners, and fans. While we recognize 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."
According to Yahoo's The Vertical, the NBA is focused on moving the game, scheduled for Feb. 19, 2017, to New Orleans. Other cities, however, are reportedly trying to enter the sweepstakes.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio applauded the NBA's move and said the Big Apple would welcome back the showcase.
"If you want an inclusive city, respectful of all gender identities, to host All-Star game: NYC welcomes you back," de Blasio tweeted.
???? NBA. If you want an inclusive city, respectful of all gender identities, to host All-Star game: NYC welcomes you back.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 21, 2016
The Knicks and Nets co-hosted All-Star weekend in 2015. The game was played at Madison Square Garden, while the Barclays Center hosted the previous day's events, including the Rising Stars Challenge, the 3-point contest and the slam dunk contest.
The NBA said it hopes to play the All-Star Game in Charlotte in 2019.
The Charlotte Hornets, who would have hosted the All-Star Game in Charlotte next year, released a statement Thursday saying: "We understand the NBA's decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we are disappointed we were unable to do so."