NBA relocates All-Star game amid transgender controversy

NEW YORK (AA) – The NBA 2017 All-Star game has been relocated from the state of North Carolina amid controversies surrounding the state's transgender laws that were enacted in March, the league announced Thursday.

“We do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2," the NBA said in a statement.

HB2, known as House Bill 2 or the Bathroom Bill, is legislation in North Carolina that requires individuals to use restrooms that are in accordance only with the sex indicated on their birth certificates.

Opponents of the legislation say the law violates the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

The league said it has been working with the state's only NBA team, Charlotte Hornets, to "foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change" since March, through its core values of "diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others".

The NBA said it will announce the new location of the 2017 All-Star game in the coming weeks, but noted Charlotte could host the game in 2019 if "there is an appropriate resolution to this matter.”