Why the NBA chose to revoke Charlotte’s right to host the All-Star Game

At the end of March, the North Carolina General Assembly held a special session and passed a public facility privacy and security bill. This bill became known as the "bathroom bill" or "House Bill 2" (HB2 for short). Then on Thursday, the bill ultimately resulted in Charlotte's rights to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game being revoked. The league later issued a statement on this: "As a result of HB2, we realize that we cannot choose the laws of our city, state, county, and country, and we do not believe we can successfully host the All-Star Game in Charlotte."

Two years ago the city of Charlotte approved $33.5 million to renovate the Hornets' home stadium. Now the league's decision (to cancel the All-Star hosting status) will reportedly cost the Hornets $100 million. This is definitely the right decision for the NBA. This is true both from a business and promotional perspective. In this matter, I also think the answer is obvious.

For ease of understanding, let’s take a closer look at this controversial bill. Yes, HB2, the “Bathroom Bill,” is so unpopular because it prohibits transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice according to the gender they identify with. And the policy doesn't just apply to toilets.

The bill also provides for a statewide anti-discrimination policy that excludes LGBT people (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders) from those groups protected by the state from discrimination. Removed from category. It also repeals ordinances in other cities and counties across the state, like Charlotte, that have expanded protections for gays and lesbians.

Such a rider would subject any city or state or county ordinance to North Carolina legal standards. In addition, the bill also changes the legal provisions that have been in place since 1977, adding a clause to the provisions that have been in operation for many years: restricting any minority group (lesbians, gays, blacks, Muslims, etc.) from bringing criminal proceedings in North Carolina state courts. Although this provision was eventually repealed, it has had widespread adverse effects. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union, American Civil Liberties Association) called it "the most extreme anti-LGBT measure in the country." (The bill) is clearly unconstitutional, and in order to avoid public scrutiny, it was banned within hours. Discussion passed.

"The bathroom incident was upsetting," Adam Silver said in June. "This was not the core of the whole incident at the beginning. The core was to protect the economic and personal rights of LGBT people."

Similarly, the NBA's move put Charlotte in the spotlight, but the city did not. Do anything wrong. Bill HB2 came about as Charlotte implemented the city's anti-discrimination measures. The city council had sought to expand existing laws to prevent discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation in public places such as bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis. discriminate.

When Charlotte passed their local law, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory warned transgender people against using the wrong restrooms. This also led to a series of events such as the subsequent emergency legislative session, HB2 and the huge controversy it caused, and the NBA's decision.

"This series of events also made McCrory's response to the coalition's decision seem hollow. The governor's statement concluded: "American families should understand that these political groups with special purposes Using these business interests as a threat, they try to use their political opinions to influence our democracy and legislation. "

What nonsense is he talking about? The NBA will never impose its political views on Charlotte. This city has been working hard to protect LGBT citizens. Everyone has the same goal. Including Michael Jordan and the Hornets. The problem is that North Carolina's governor and Legislature imposed their political will on Charlotte and ruthlessly overridden the city council's democratic process, which ultimately cost the city $100 million. , and also embarrassed North Carolina.

As for the league, Adam Silver's office communicated with the Hornets "almost every day" in an attempt to find a compromise, but he announced that if HB2 was revised in 2019. Or cancel it, then he will reconsider hosting the All-Star Game in Charlotte, but the NBA will find another location (to host the All-Star Game) in 2017.

It will be a few months before this decision is announced. Rumors, doubts and criticisms about this bill have not stopped, and public figures like Stan Van Gundy have called on everyone to take action. "Open your eyes, we are in 2016," Van Gundy said in April. I think the idea that we have the right to discriminate against others is contrary to our position. I think the league should take a stand.

No matter what, there is actually no need for the alliance to express its position. Silver's original plan to hold the All-Star Game in Charlotte is probably fine. There may be some sporadic protests and sharp questioning, but nothing serious. Major League Baseball encountered a similar problem at the 2011 All-Star Game in Arizona [Translation], but after protests, the league decided not to change the venue. By the time the All-Star Game started, there was no controversy.

[Translation Note] Arizona, a state in the southwestern United States on the border with Mexico, passed a strict law restricting illegal immigration in 2011. The bill stipulates that immigrants are not allowed to enter Arizona. The police have the right to question people suspected of being illegal immigrants and check whether they hold legal documents such as a green card, a foreign passport, or a driver's license from the state. It is recognized as the most harsh immigration bill in the United States in decades. Immediately after the bill passed both houses of the state House of Representatives, it received criticism and opposition from all walks of life across the United States.

The NBA did not follow what MLB did, but instead issued a statement after consultation with the league. If Charlotte can't get the state to explain the bill it enacted, the NBA and the tens of billions of dollars' worth of business interests behind it will find a way. This was unexpected because we rarely see groups doing this kind of thing. This is to be encouraged, as malicious sophistry is spreading across the country at this time, and in this case, evil will be punished.

Critics will complain that the NBA is nosy and mixes politics into entertainment. The NBA should be a pure land away from the noisy world. But this has nothing to do with the Democratic Party, the Communist Party, or the Party. This is about civilization and reason.

The head coach of the U.S. team, Mike Krzyzewski, has been a lifelong Republican. He has criticized Barack Obama. He knows North Carolina's laws very well. "This bill is really embarrassing," Coach K told USA Today in Las Vegas this week. "I'm speechless about this."

Everyone should feel that way.