In the wake of voter suppression legislation being passed and signed in the state of Georgia, individuals and organizations across the nation are speaking out, going so far as to boycott the state for business purposes.
Joining them is Major League Baseball, who announced they will be moving their All-Star game out of Atlanta.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed the rather controversial legislation regarding voter rights in the state. It rolls back voting by mail, certain forms of absentee ballots, and prohibits the distribution of food and water to those waiting in line at polling booths.
The passing of said legislation was met with waves of backlash across the country, with even President Joe Biden speaking up, calling it 'an atrocity' and 'un-American' in a statement made to reporters.
Different forms of protest have hit Georgia and Governor Kemp already, and today the MLB announced it would also be taking part by deciding to move its upcoming All-Star game out of Atlanta.
“I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft," said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement, "Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box."
"We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities," Manfred continued, "In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward."
Atlanta had been awarded the game in 2019 as a means of celebrating their opening of a new stadium, much like Los Angeles had been awarded the 2020 All-Stars game before it was moved to 2022 due to COVID-19.
In the Atlanta Braves' response to this decision, they say they're 'deeply disappointed' and that, "Unfortunately, businesses, employees, and fans in Georgia are the victim of this decision."
There is no indication as to where the game is being moved to yet, though this was addressed in Manfred's statement. "We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”
