Fake news report claims the NBA gave North Carolina an ultimatum about its anti-LGBT law
Update: This story has been updated to reflect that sources with quotes from the NBA were falsified
A fake news story has circulated claiming that the NBA gave an ultimatum to North Carolina to drop its anti-LGBT law, or lose out on hosting the 2017 All Star Game.
Last month North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed law which voids all local ordinances protecting LGBT rights, as well as permitting businesses to discriminate against LGBT people on the grounds of religious belief.
The new law also bans transgender students in public schools from using their preferred bathroom.
McCrory’s decision has attracted a legal challenge as well as a growing boycott of the state, with over 100 companies slamming the decision.
The NBA game is set to take place in Charlotte next year. Some have expected the NBA to follow the lead of the NFL in reconsidering its position on hosting events in the state.
The false story from Cleveland.com claimed that the NBA has said it will not allow the city to host the event if the law stands.
Made up quotes attributed to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver from a fake news conference are below.
“With this new law in place, Charlotte currently does not have any anti-discrimination protection in place, something that would be vital for a large event such as the All-Star Game,” Silver was claimed to have said.
“We are giving the state of North Carolina 30 days to repeal this law or they can expect the 2017 All-Star game to be held elsewhere. I want to make it clear that the NBA will not stand for this type of intolerance and hate,” the false quote went on.
The league had legitimately said earlier that it was “deeply concerned” by the law.
The NBA has also since been forced to clarify that it was not pulling the game from North Carolina.
Dozens of business leaders and businesses have really condemned HB2, and some have even started moving jobs and businesses out of the state.
Cities like New York are believed to have made upwards of $100 million from the event.
Dozens of celebrities and hundreds of fans have heaped praise on Bruce Springsteen for speaking out against the law, and for cancelling a concert in the state on principle.
Supporters of the bill, which basically allows discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and which bans local laws protecting LGBT people, have accused Springsteen of using “bully tactics”.
After Springsteen’s announcement, the guitarist from the E Street Band Steven Van Zandt said North Carolina’s anti-LGBT law is like an “evil virus” in explaining why their concert was cancelled for this Sunday.
