Following threats of boycotts by hundreds of business leaders, North Carolina may lose the right to host collegiate sporting events.
After HB2 was passed earlier this year, it has been heavily criticised for limiting the rights of LGBT people in North Carolina.
But now the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Board of Governors has said the state needs to remove legislation which sanctions disrimination before the state will be allowed to host any events.
The threat of a boycott by the NCAA includes the men’s and women’s basketball Final Fours.
The NCAA in a statement has said the boycott is based on HB2, given that the law effectively legalises discrimination.
“The higher education community is a diverse mix of people from different racial, ethnic, religious and sexual orientation backgrounds,” said Kirk Schulz, president of Kansas State University and chairman of the Board of Governors.
“So it is important that we assure that community – including our student-athletes and fans – will always enjoy the experience of competing and watching at NCAA championships without concerns of discrimination.”
A vote by the NCAA Board took place during a quarterly meeting in Indianapolis
The NCAA said in the statement: “The Association considers the promotion of inclusiveness in race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity as a vital element to protecting the well-being of student-athletes, promoting diversity in hiring practices and creating a culture of fairness.”
Hundreds of business leaders have urged the repeal of North Carolina’s HB2, and multiple celebrities have pulled out of appearances, including Ringo Starr and, Bruce Springsteen.
Springsteen was even accused of using “bully tactics” for cancelling the concert by one of the state’s Representatives.
But dozens of celebrities and hundreds of fans came to the defence of Springsteen, commending him for taking a stand.
Others such as Mumford and Sons and Cyndi Lauper have said they will appear but that they will donate their profits to LGBT rights organisations.
Mississippi also faces similar threats as Bryan Adams and Sharon Stone have pulled out of appearances there.
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