Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick officially filed Senate Bill 6, the latest piece of hateful legislation targeting the LGBT community. Athlete Ally condemns this decision, and is committed to working with the athletic community to fight this discriminatory bill.
“As we saw in North Carolina, the sports community has shown its ability to champion change, with both the NBA and ACC moving contests from the state,” said Hudson Taylor, founder and executive director of Athlete Ally. “These moves cost the state of North Carolina approximately $300 million, and with major sporting events scheduled in Texas this year, we see an even greater opportunity to work with the athletic community to stand united with our LGBT friends and families, and ultimately defeat this legislation.”
This year, Texas will host a series of notable athletic events. In February, Houston will host Superbowl LI. The Women’s Basketball Final Four will come to Dallas in March/April, and the PGA is scheduled to host at least five sporting events across the state. Should this bill prevail, LGBT players and fans would find themselves targeted and discriminated against both on the field and in the stands.
Athlete Ally is a nonprofit organization that educates and activates athletic communities to champion LGBT equality. Athlete Ally works with MLB, MLS, the NBA, WNBA, and NBPA on player development and LGBT inclusion. It also co-wrote Champions of Respect, the NCAA’s guide on LGBT policies and best practices. Athlete Ally also partners with over 150 professional athletes and college campuses to promote LGBT respect and inclusion.
Taylor Carr
Taylor.Carr@AthleteAlly.org | 315-945-7480