While it seems as neither North Carolina nor Georgia knows how to separate church and state, at least the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League (NFL) know how to separate church and sports. On Wednesday, March 23, North Carolina governor Pat McCroy passed a controversial bill forcing transgender individuals to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender on one’s birth certificate. The bill also excludes legal protection from lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals. If one were to be fired because of their sexual identity, North Carolina workers will no longer be able to sue under a state anti-discrimination law. Georgia was quick to follow North Carolina’s discriminatory actions when House Bill 757 was passed by the Georgia senate. The law would allow pastors to decline marriage to same sex couples, and allow faith-based organizations to hire, fire or refuse services to someone based on their sexual identity, but because of increasing pressure from major corporations like the NFL, governor Nathan Deal vetoed the bill.
It is quite obvious that these laws will greatly hurt LGBT individuals, as the laws are basically encouraging discrimination, but they also have a negative effect on fans of the Charlotte Hornets and/or Atlanta Falcons. After the passing of North Carolina’s bill, the NBA said Charlotte may lose their right to host the 2017 All-Star game, which is scheduled to take place at the Hornets’ home stadium, Time Warner Cable Arena. Not only would this damage the city socially, but it would also be an economic loss, since the city is currently in the process of funding $27.5 million worth of renovations for the arena. The NBA released the following statement criticizing the passing of North Carolina’s bill.
“The NBA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all who attend our games and events. 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 Atlanta Falcons were also in social and economic danger, as the NFL said the bill would cost the Falcons the opportunity to host the Super Bowl. Falcons owner Arthur Blank was especially nervous about the situation the Falcons situation, as he is set to open a $1.4 billion stadium in 2017. The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events of the year, and it brings in a lot of money for the hosting city. A new stadium would give the Falcons a solid shot at hosting the 2019 or 2020 Super Bowl. While passing this bill would have made this a difficult proposition, thankfully Deal ended up vetoing the bill on March 28.
Both the Hornets and the Falcons have shown they value human rights by speaking out about their disagreement of the laws in their state. The Hornets released a statement in which they said the organization is opposed to discrimination in any form, and that all fans, players and employers should feel welcome at Time Warner Cable Arena. As for the Falcons, Blank issued a statement saying how the bill would impact the state as a whole negatively, and that he believes in a welcoming, diverse and inclusive environment.
“One of my bedrock values is ‘Include Everyone’ and it’s a principle we embrace and strive to live each and every day with my family and our associates, a vast majority of which live and work in Georgia. I strongly believe a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Georgia is critical to our citizens and the millions of visitors coming to enjoy all that our great state has to offer,” said Blank.
The discriminatory LGBT laws have not only affected the sports environment, but also the music industry. Legendary musician Bruce Springsteen was scheduled to have a show on April 10 in Greensboro, North Carolina, but canceled it to join the protest against the laws. People who purchased tickets will get a refund; however, the venue, the Greensboro Coliseum, will not be as lucky. Officials told local media outlets that the cancellation will cost the venue about $100,000. Rock band Pearl Jam followed Springsteen and in canceling their show in North Carolina, which was scheduled for April 20.
“Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards,” said Springsteen on his website.
Although the senates of North Carolina and Georgia may be oblivious to the idea of basic human rights, at least the NBA and NFL know that this is a country in which every person should feel welcomed, no matter their sexual identification. It appears as if the roles have been reversed, since the members of the senate have been the ones acting with foolish, “locker room” behavior, and athletes and employees of the NBA and NFL are the ones making rational decisions for the good of the people.
