Reaction thunders in over ACC decision to yank title football game from Charlotte

The Atlantic Coast Conference has pulled this year’s football title game from Charlotte amid the ongoing firestorm over North Carolina’s House Bill 2. Here’s a look at reactions:

N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore:

“It is very unfortunate that the NCAA and ACC have decided to move their scheduled events out of North Carolina. No one ever wants to lose events under any circumstances, but these organizations are certainly entitled to host their events wherever they choose. The truth remains that this law was never about and does not promote discrimination. We will continue to advocate that North Carolina is a great place to live, do business, hold events and to visit.”

Gov. Pat McCrory:

“The issue of redefining gender and basic norms of privacy will be resolved in the near future in the United States court system for not only North Carolina, but the entire nation. I strongly encourage all public and private institutions to both respect and allow our nation’s judicial system to proceed without economic threats or political retaliation toward the 22 states that are currently challenging government overreach.”

Attorney General Roy Cooper, the Democratic candidate for governor, in a video posted on YouTube:

“It’s clear we cannot wait until November to repeal House Bill 2. This is not just about sports. This is about communities in North Carolina suffering real economic blows. ... Unfortunately we’ve seen no leadership from our governor on this issue. He has doubled down on this bad law as our state has taken hit after hit. ... The solution is simple. Repeal House Bill 2, and do it now.”

N.C. Family Policy Council:

“Insanity of today’s decision: ACC presidents unaware? 28 states have similar laws to NC & 25 states suing Obama admin over bathroom policy!”

Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro:

“On Monday it was the NCAA. Last month it was the NBA. Today, the ACC – home conference to many of our beloved teams – will take their marquis events out of North Carolina. It has never been more clear than it is right now – HB2 is hurting our state every minute that it remains law. … I’m calling on Pat McCrory today – accept responsibility for the legislation you signed. It’s crystal clear that HB2 is bad for us.”

NC Democratic Party Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds:

“This is another loss for North Carolina that could have been easily avoided – another disappointing day for the state. How much more money and how many more jobs does North Carolina have to lose before Governor McCrory stops pointing fingers and fixes his mistake? It is way past time to repeal this disastrous law.”

Tami Fitzgerald, Executive Director of NC Values Coalition:

“The ACC and NCAA announcements are an attempt to force the State of North Carolina to sacrifice our children’s safety on the altar of political correctness, and legislators who voted to stop this trend should think twice before they abandon our children.”

Carolina Panthers:

“As we stated last summer, after more than 20 years of operations, we undoubtedly have had transgender persons attend events here and, presumably, they have used the restroom of the gender with which they identify. Our organization is against discrimination and has a long history of treating all of our patrons at Bank of America Stadium with dignity and respect.”

This story was originally published September 14, 2016 at 2:11 PM with the headline "Reaction thunders in over ACC decision to yank title football game from Charlotte."