Ohio Democrats say Cleveland should host NBA All-Star game
July 22, 2016
By: Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com
July 22, 2016
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio Democrats in Congress are volunteering Cleveland to host the 2017 NBA All-Star game, after the league withdrew the event from North Carolina over the state's policies on transgender individuals.
All four Ohio Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Friday that applauds the decision, saying it sets a "national precedent of acceptance that we should all strive to uphold."
"In refusing to endorse North Carolina's House Bill 2, and its barring of transgender people from using bathrooms that corresponds to their gender identities, you are firmly promoting basic American principles like tolerance and inclusion," said the letter signed by Reps. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo, Marcia Fudge of Warrensville Heights, Tim Ryan of the Niles area and Joyce Beatty of the Columbus area.
Their letter says Northeast Ohio prides itself on its "culture of equality and respect." It notes the area hosted the ninth Gay Games a few years ago, and that Cleveland recently passed legislation that lets transgender people use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.
"As home of the 2016 World Champion Cleveland Cavaliers, we understand the importance of basketball and economic opportunity and joy it can bring to a city," the letter says. "Cleveland would be proud to host the 2017 All-Star game and create an atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome."