NBA ENTERS 2016 POLITICAL FRAY; LGBT v RACISM; ATLANTA v CHARLOTTE
CHARLOTTE IS A MUCH BETTER VENUE.
IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME JUST TRY LIVING IN ATLANTA FOR THREE MONTHS.
WHAT YOU SEE ON THE "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA" SHOW IS NOT ATLANTA.
Sources: The State, Newsmax, ABC 11Alive, AJC, Charlotte Observer, YouTube,
Sources: The State, Newsmax, ABC 11Alive, AJC, Charlotte Observer, YouTube,
Story Highlights:
April 2014 - Donald Sterling is banned by new NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for mentioning Racist remarks secretly recorded by his girlfriend.
June 2015 - Charlotte, NC wins bid to host the 2017 NBA All-Star games.
February 2016 - Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed (Democrat) announces his endorsement for Hillary Clinton as President.
Charlotte City Council (Democrats) passes LGBT Bathroom Sharing Ordinance February 2016 despite widespread local voter opposition.
Gov Nathan Deal vetoes the Georgia Religious Liberty legislation March 28, 2016 (the day after Easter Sunday)
Obama visits Atlanta, Ga March 29, 2016 to speak a symposium to combat Prescription Drug Abuse
NBA Spokesperson said they are trying to keep the 2017 All-Star in Charlotte.
Atlanta City Council invites NBA to move All-Star weekend
Resolution points to passage of North Carolina’s House Bill 2 as reason to move
NBA still hopeful N.C. can work through ‘differences’
The Atlanta City Council is asking the NBA to move the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte to Atlanta after the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 2, repealing portions of Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance.
During a committee hearing Tuesday, the resolution was introduced in Atlanta. It invites the NBA to consider relocating the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend “due to the passage of House Bill 2, a measure that discriminates against members of the LGBT community.”
The NBA says they are still hopeful Charlotte and North Carolina come to an agreement.
“We appreciate the invitation but are hopeful that the city of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina can work through their differences far in advance of the 2017 All-Star Game,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said about the proposal.
The day after the bill was signed, the National Basketball Association speculated that the bill might affect the Queen City’s hosting the 2017 All-Star Game. It’s scheduled for Feb. 17.
“The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events,” the organization said in a release via Twitter after House Bill 2 was passed.
“We are deeply concerned that this discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect and do not yet know what impact it will have on our ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte,” the statement continued.
Charlotte won the bid to host the All-Star Game in June 2015. One month later, the city formally committed to spending $600,000 in general tax dollars to host the event. The total incentive package for the All-Star Game is about $5.9 million, according to WBTV’s news partner The Charlotte Observer.
“The City of Atlanta draws strength from our diverse community,” said Atlanta Council President Ceasar Mitchell. “This unity creates our city’s embracing spirit, a quality that has made Atlanta the destination of choice for numerous international business conventions, professional and college sporting events, as well as one of the largest concentrations
“Atlanta is a vibrant, energetic city that would be an outstanding host to the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend,” chairman Andre Dickens said. “As the home to the civil and human rights movement, our diverse set of people and businesses welcome this global event with open arms.”
Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance passed in February by a 7-4 vote from the Charlotte City Council. It broadly defined how businesses should treat gay, lesbian and transgender customers. The debate, as in other cities recently, focused on bathrooms.
After its passage, several high ranking North Carolina Republicans, including McCrory, voiced concerns about people having the ability to choose public restrooms corresponding to their gender identity.
McCrory signed the state bill repealing parts of the ordinance into law Wednesday night. Lawmakers passed the bill in a special session and the governor signed it within one day.
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