NBA All-Star Game 2017 Moves Out of Charlotte Over Anti-LGBT Bathroom Law

The NBA has decided to pull the 2017 All-Star Game from its planned location in Charlotte, North Carolina over the state’s anti-LGBT bathroom law.

“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,” the NBA said in a statement. “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.”

“We look forward to re-starting plans for our All-Star festivities in Charlotte for 2019 provided there is an appropriate resolution to this matter,” the statement continued. “The NBA will make an announcement on the new location of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in the coming weeks.”

Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, released a statement applauding the move.

“As a member of the NBA family and as a gay man, I’m extremely proud to see the NBA take initiative and move the All-Star Game from North Carolina,” he told USA TODAY Sports. “Their decision is an extremely poignant one and shows that discrimination of any kind is not welcome in sports and is not acceptable in any part of our society. The NBA has set the best kind of example and precedent moving forward for all to follow.”