NBA ‘deeply concerned’ about North Carolina anti-LGBT bill, may move 2017 All Star game
The NBA has reacted to the passing of North Carolina’s House Bill 2, which voids pre-existing LGBT protections.
House Bill 2, was passed during a special session in the House and Senate yesterday, and was later signed by Governor Pat McCrory.
The bill was passed after lawmakers called a special session to debate it, rather than waiting until the next sitting at the end of April.
It specifies that all local nondiscrimination ordinances are now void.
The NBA released a statement today, which reads: “The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events.”
It goes on to suggest that the NBA’s All-Star game in Charlotte next year could be moved.
“We are deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte.”
The Charlotte City Council last month passed a bill that among other things, would have allowed people to use bathrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities based on their gender identity.
The measure – which passed 7-4 – would have also offered greater protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It is now void.
HB 2 also states all employment discrimination ordinances, minimum wage ordinances, and public accommodations ordinances must come from the state’s General Assembly.
This means local politicians are unable to provide protections in these areas.
North Carolina has been criticised by LGBT rights groups for moving hastily to try to end the protections.
As with similar legislation in other states, businesses have moved quickly to say the state will be boycotted now that the bill has passed, and been signed into law.
