Texas Governor mocks threats to move future Super Bowl over anti-LGBT laws
The Governor of Texas has dismissed threats to move the Super Bowl out of Texas if he signs an anti-LGBT law.
Republican lawmaker Greg Abbott previously led the state’s battle against LGBT rights and same-sex marriage as Attorney General, before becoming Governor in 2015.
A number of anti-LGBT bills are currently before the Texas legislature which would permit discrimination against LGBT people, including so-called ‘religious freedom’ bills and anti-transgender ‘bathroom’ bills.
NFL officials have taken a hard line against the laws, warning that Texas could be stripped of the right to host future Super Bowls and other sports events if Abbott signs an anti-LGBT law.
The 51st Super Bowl was held in Houston, Texas last week, the fourth time the sporting event has been held in Texas.
Officials warned: “We want all fans to feel welcomed at our events and NFL policies prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard.
“If a proposal that is discriminatory or inconsistent with our values were to become law there, that would certainly be a factor considered when thinking about awarding future events.”
However, the Governor of Texas does not seem fussed.
Responding with a sport reference, Governor Abbott tweeted: “NFL decision makers also benched Tom Brady last season. It ended with NFL handing the Super Bowl trophy to Brady.”
Brady is quarterback for the New England Patriots, who clinched the victory last week, despite being punished over ‘Deflategate’.
