In a statement Friday, the NBA reaffirmed its opposition to North Carolina’s H.B. 2, noting that NBA owners are unanimous in opposing the bill, and made clear that the league has not ruled out moving the game.
The statement, issued by Mike Bass, executive vice president, Communications read: “During a media availability earlier today following the NBA’s Board of Governors meeting, Commissioner Adam Silver clarified that the NBA remains deeply concerned about its ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina, in light of recent legislation that discriminates against the LGBT community. At no time did Adam affirm that the league would not move the All-Star Game; rather he stressed repeatedly that the legislation is problematic, that we feel it is best to engage with the community to work towards a solution, that change is needed and we are hopeful that it will occur.”
The momentum against H.B. 2 continues to grow. Today, HRC announced 160 major corporations have signed an open letter urging Gov. McCrory and the North Carolina General Assembly to repeal the radical provisions in the deeply discriminatory law.
“Today the NBA reiterated its opposition to H.B. 2 and made crystal clear this law threatens the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “We thank the NBA and Commissioner Silver for standing strong in support for the equal dignity of all North Carolinians and for continuing to advocate for the repeal of this hateful and draconian law.”
PayPal and Deutsche Bank, have stopped investments in North Carolina because of H.B. 2 and last week Bruce Springsteen cancelled a concert in Greensboro to stand in solidarity with LGBT people across North Carolina and the nation. Basketball players including Charles Barkley and Jason Collins have called on the NBA to move the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte if the law is not repealed. The NCAA has also said that future NCAA events in the state of North Carolina are in jeopardy as the result of H.B. 2.
