(CNN) — The 2017 NBA All-Star Game will move from Charlotte, North Carolina, because of that state’s controversial transgender bathroom law, the league announced Thursday.
The league said it would make an announcement about where the game would be played in the coming weeks.
The statement said the All-Star events and activities is intended to “bring together all members of the NBA community…”
“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,” reads the statement.
“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.”
The NBA also said it hopes to hold the 2019 game in Charlotte “provided there is an appropriate resolution to this matter.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had worked with other NBA officials to try to get North Carolina to change the law, which requires people to use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender at birth and prevents local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances.
Earlier this month the law, which initially passed in March, survived largely unscathed after last-minute wrangling at the close of the state legislative session.
The measure was modified to restore workers’ rights to use state law to sue over employment discrimination. Gov. Pat McCrory, who requested the change, signed the legislation on Monday.
Still, most of the provisions that outraged gay rights advocates, entertainers and business leaders remained in the bill.
