Despite some misinformation being spread the last few months, the NBA is still planning on having its 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte. That’s an issue, as North Carolina’s governor passed a law that prevents local municipalities from passing their own laws that would protect the LGBT community from discriminatory laws, like the one that tells transgender people which bathrooms they can use.
Since this law has been enacted, musicians have been canceling tour dates in the state and companies have been taking their business elsewhere. Commissioner Adam Silver has more time to decide, but it appears as though he has set a deadline of some time in the summer to decide on where to hold the All-Star Game.
Silver on Charlotte All-Star: "We are in the process of exploring other options." Declines to issue deadline.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) June 3, 2016
Adam Silver says he feels progress is being made on getting more inclusive laws & protections in North Carolina, still deciding on All-Star
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 3, 2016
I asked Adam Silver when the drop-dead date was for moving the All-Star Game if the anti-gay law in NC isn't changed. He said this summer.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 3, 2016
The Hornets immediately condemned the law and a group of Senators also implored the NBA to move the game after the NBA’s statement didn’t seem too strong.
It doesn’t appear as though North Carolina is going to budge on HB2, so this will come down to the NBA’s image, and it would be stunning if Silver didn’t move the All-Star Game over this. Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Ringo Starr are among the artists that chose not to perform in the state. Heck, even Cirque du Soleil bailed on like two weeks’ worth of shows over this.
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Does the NBA want to come across as not as tough on anti-LGBT laws as a circus? Those performers are extremely flexible, but it would look really bad on the NBA if Cirque du Soleil proves it has a stiffer backbone than it does.
(Twitter)
