The 2017 NBA All-Stars game was originally scheduled to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
However, following the state’s introduction of an anti-transgender bathroom bill, the NBA swiftly moved the game and released a statement saying: “We do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by the current law.”
Instead, it was announced that the match would take place in New Orleans, a city considered an LGBT+ oasis in the south, according to AP.
"We were able to recruit and bring the NBA here because of positive pro-equality work that the city and state have been doing," said Sarah Jane Guidry, heads of the Forum for Equality, a Louisiana LGBT advocacy group.
"It's important for us to have our All-Star game in a city that's welcoming to all of our participants and guests," says Guidry.
She says New Orleans and Louisiana "know how to manage and put on great big fun events and welcome everyone and treat everyone fairly and equally."
New Orleans has a history of being an LGBT-friendly community, with the city celebrating its 68th Gay Mardi Gras at the end of the month.
The NBA All-Star Festivities will also feature LGBT+ friendly activities, such as The Forum For Equality hosting a reception with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Locals in New Orleans have praised the NBA's decision to protest the discriminatory North Carolina bill.
"It was absolutely a good thing. Money, that's where you can put a hurt on somebody," local Troy Glines told AP.
The All-Star game takes place this weekend.
