By David K. Li - NBC News
The Major League Baseball (MLB) organization changed the venue for this year's All-Star Game this Friday, which was to take place in Atlanta, in protest against a new law passed in Georgia that restricts the right to vote. .
The important game was scheduled for July 13 at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
Other activities related to the competition were also going to be held there, such as the
annual
draft
.
"I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is to relocate the All-Star Game and
this year's MLB
draft
," Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. said in a statement.
"Major League Baseball at its core supports the voting rights of all Americans
and opposes restrictions at the polls," he added.
MLB is "finalizing coordinating a new host city and details on these events will be announced shortly," concluded Manfred.
The commissioner explained that the All-Star Game festivities would include a tribute to Henry Aaron, the legendary Braves hitter who died earlier this year at age 86.
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The All-Star Game, which features the best players in the competition, was scheduled at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles last year, but had to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We proudly use our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities across our country to do their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process," Manfred concluded, "Fair access to voting continues to count on the unwavering support of our game. "
What is the controversial new law about?
Georgia's Republican lawmakers approved restrictive changes to the state electoral process last month.
The new law imposes a series of restrictions, such as the requirement of identification to vote by mail and the prohibition of bringing food or water to voters waiting in long lines.
The Republican Governor of Georgia,
Brian Kemp, signed the bill immediately, calling it "common sense" legislation
while agreeing with statements by former President Donald Trump promoting the bill.
[A "Flagrant Attack on the Constitution": Biden Condemns New Law Restricting Voting Rights in Georgia]
President Joe Biden said he would strongly support moving the All-Star Game out of Georgia to protest the new law.
MLB's decision follows strong statements from Georgia-based companies Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines, criticizing the state's new voting law.
