NBA pulls All-Star Game from North Carolina over anti-LGBT law

After threatening to do so for months, the NBA has taken a stand against North Carolina's controversial anti-LGBT law, also know as "HB2," by choosing to pull the All-Star Game from Charlotte next year.

In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the league said the decision came after working with the Charlotte Hornets to "foster constructive dialogue [to] try to effect positive change ... These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view."

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The statement continues:

Our week-long schedule of All-Star events and activities is intended to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand, and to bring together all members of the NBA community – current and former players, league and team officials, business partners, and fans.  While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.

The league did say, however, that they hope to bring the All-Star Game back to Charlotte in 2019, "provided there is an appropriate resolution to this matter."

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The law not only supersedes any local LGBT anti-discrimination policies throughout the state, but also excludes sexual orientation and gender identity from the statewide anti-discrimination policy. The law also requires transgender people to use the bathroom corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificate.

In a statement, the mayor of Charlotte, which had actually enacted laws protecting the LGBT community before the state stepped in, said the city would remain dedicated to equality.

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The Charlotte Hornets, who would be the "host" team for the All-Star Game, also put out a statement, saying, "We understand the NBA's decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season."

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The NBA is hardly the first entertainment entity to either pull an event from North Carolina or speak out on the issue. Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam canceled scheduled shows over HB2, while Mumford & Sons donated proceeds from their in-state show to LGBT-related charities.

And, of course, Beyonce, who went through with a scheduled show in the state, spoke out against the bill. The entertainers have also been joined by some business giants in publicly stating their opposition to the law.

In the meantime, the search is now on for a new host for 2017, with some reports indicating that News Orleans is a front-runner.

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That said, others are already throwing their hat in the ring.

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