NCAA to Reconsider Future Host Cities Based on LGBT Rights

The NCAA says it will reconsider host cities based on LGBT rights according to a report in the Indianapolis Star:

“‘We’ll continue to review current events in all cities bidding on NCAA championships and events, as well as cities that have already been named as future host sites, such as Indianapolis,’ Bob Williams, NCAA senior vice president for communications, wrote in an email statement Nov. 12. Requests to speak to NCAA leaders for more information were denied.

Among the Indianapolis events that could be in jeopardy is the NCAA’s richest showcase — the men’s basketball Final Four — slated to return to the city in 2021. The same event held here this year pumped an estimated $71 million into the local economy, according to Visit Indy. Indianapolis also is scheduled to host first- and second-round games in the 2017 men’s basketball tournament.

…The NCAA statement about future and scheduled sites comes after Houston voters this month repealed an ordinance that banned discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.”

The Indy Star notes that the NCAA’s vague statement leaves questions about the specifics of its consideration.

Indiana Republicans this week proposed legislation protecting LGBT citizens which contained obscene religious exemptions.

Said Matt McTighe, executive director of Freedom for All Americans, in a release following the NCAA’s announcement:

“The NCAA is taking a principled stand when it comes to ensuring their student athletes, employees and fans are protected from discrimination.  Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity deserves the right to live, work and compete without fear of discrimination. Freedom for all Americans wants cities like Indianapolis to thrive, but that cannot happen without ensuring everyone is protected equally under the law. That is why we are working with the state legislature to pass legislation to update existing nondiscrimination laws to include gay and transgender Hoosiers.”

The NCAA has said it will not move the Final Four from Houston this year in the wake of HERO’s defeat.