The Boston Celtics voiced its approval today when pro basketball’s commissioner Adam Silver announced that the NBA is moving its 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, North Carolina to protest North Carolina’s anti-LGBT legislation (HB2).
“We support the NBA’s decision and share the league’s values of equality and inclusion. We hope that productive dialogue continues in the effort to welcome all who love our game,” a Celtics spokesperson told Boston Spirit.
The league plans to nail down a new location in another state within the next few weeks, reported the Boston Globe. And in a spirit of optimism that equality may eventually prevail in North Carolina, the league, Silver said, also plans to bring the event back to Charlotte in 2019.
The Globe story went on to report:
The All-Star Game, according to The Charlotte Observer, would’ve been the largest event in that city since the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Citing tourism experts, that outlet reports that the event could have had a $100 million economic impact in the Charlotte area.
The NBA’s statement read in part, “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.
“It is also important to stress that the City of Charlotte and the Hornets organization have sought to provide an inclusive environment and that the Hornets will continue to ensure that all patrons — including members of the LGBT community — feel welcome while attending games and events in their arena.”
