Michael Jordan Speaks Out Against Anti-LGBT Discrimination in N.C.

NBA legend and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan spoke out on Tuesday against North Carolina's House Bill 2, reports The Charlotte Observer.

"As my organization has stated previously, the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment are opposed to discrimination in any form, and we have always sought to provide an inclusive environment," Jordan said in a statement to the Observer.

"As has been the case since the building opened, we will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome while at work or attending NBA games and events at Time Warner Cable Arena," Jordan said, referring to the Charlotte sports venue.

Charlotte is scheduled to host the NBA All Star Game in 2017, but the league's commissioner has confirmed that the game will go elsewhere if the state's sweeping anti-LGBT legislation is not repealed. Basketball star Charles Barkley has also urged the league to move its game.

HB 2 rescinds all local anti-discrimination ordinances and prevents transgender people from using bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. The law makes it legal for LGBT people (except state employees) to be fired due to sexual orientation or gender identity and prevents local communities from setting minimum wage laws, among other things.

House Democrats filed a bill to repeal HB 2 on Monday. Many businesses have threatened to boycott the state if the bill is not repealed, and others have already taken action against the state, such as Paypal and Deutsche Bank. Paypal recently cancelled plans to open a global payment center in Charlotte that would have brought 400 new jobs to the city. Deutsche Bank also cancelled a planned expansion that would have added 250 jobs to the state.