The majority of Americans support the rights of the LGBT community. Christian religious extremists oppose any protections for the group. When North Carolina passed a law to “protect women in public restrooms,” it forced transgendered Americans to ‘use the bathroom of the gender on their birth certificate.’ When Governor Pat McCrory not only signed the bill, but added his support to the anti-gay legislation, Businesses immediately either left the state, or cancelled future plans to open in Charlotte and other cities.
The NBA threatened to cancel its All Star Game in 2017 if the law was not revoked. McCrory and his Christian brethren in the legislature refused to capitulate.
This week the NBA kept its promise. It has cancelled the event, and is making a decision regarding a new venue. The league office added that if the state changes its position regarding the LGBT community, it would consider rescheduling an All Star Game in 2019.
North Carolina’s NBA franchise is in Charlotte, with the team name of the “Hornets.”
“Since March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change,” the league said. “We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league. These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view.”
They went on to say that the week-long event is intended to be a celebration of the league and its values, and HB2 violates its principles and beliefs.
The city of Charlotte will lose millions of dollars in revenue because McCrory and his cronies bowed to the pressure of a religious group and called it a ‘safety measure.’
This is what happens when religion is allowed to influence our government. No country can offer equal rights to all of its citizens if a single religion is in control.
No one can claim to be a Christian if they judge and hate other human beings. This is in direct opposition to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The truth is, after reading the Republican Party’s Platform, established at the convention, the GOP is completely homophobic. It has moved backwards and has eliminated anyone other than white Christians to be included in it proposals.
All religions are cults, but Christianity is as severe as those who are Muslim extremists. Two religions are responsible for many of the horrific events throughout history. Today terrorists who claim to be devout Muslims are the danger. The Crusades and the Inquisition were evils from the past. The Ku Klux Klan, which endorsed Donald Trump, continues to be America’s terrorists who claim to be Christians. Reasons why I refuse to be a member of any religion.
Not only are the citizens of Charlotte disappointed, many NBA players have expressed their displeasure. Michael Jordan, one of the greatest players of all time, played for the University of North Carolina. Seth Curry, a two-time consecutive All Star, was raised in North Carolina.
In support of a religion, based on fantasy, many North Carolinians and NBA fans and players will be denied one of the most exciting events in professional sports.
I think everyone must send ‘snail mail’ to Pat McCrory, and tell him what they think of him and his problem with a group of people who mean no harm to anyone, and simply wish to be treated equally under the 14th amendment of the Constitution.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey
The Truth With No Restrictions 