Anti-LBGT bathroom law costs North Carolina $100m All-Star basketball game

Next year’s All-Star game is to be moved from North Carolina in protest at an anti-LGBT law, meaning the loss of about $100 million for the state. The decision to shift February’s prestigious game from Charlotte was made by the NBA league, which will announce a new venue shortly. Its protest was over a law, known as HB2, which was enacted in March and limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people. There are hopes that the 2019 game can be rescheduled for Charlotte if the issue is resolved, the league said.

While we recognise 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

NBA statement

The law, which obliges transgender people to use toilets intended for the sex on their birth certificates, has proved hugely controversial. It gives workers the right to sue for employment discrimination on the basis of race, religion and some other factors but not over sexual orientation and gender identity. Charlotte Hornets chairman and former basketball star Michael Jordan, said: “We understand the NBA’s decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star game in Charlotte this season. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte and we are disappointed we were unable to do so.”

With that, we’re pleased that the NBA opened the door for Charlotte to host All-Star weekend again as soon as an opportunity was available for 2019.

Michael Jordan

Sports