The NBA basketball league will move its 2017 All-Star Game from North Carolina in protest about a state law that it says discriminates against LGBT people.
The NBA told ABC News in a statement on Thursday: “The NBA has decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte.”
“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 added. “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.”
The new location for the 2017 All Star Game has yet to be determined.
Former player Jason Collins tweeted: “As a member of the NBA family and as a gay man, I’m extremely proud to see the NBA take [the] initiative and move the All Star game from North Carolina.
“Their decision is an extremely poignant one and shows that discrimination of any kind is not welcome in sports and is not acceptable in any part of our society. The NBA has set the best kind of example and precedent moving forward for all to follow.”
