Baseball All-Star Game doesn't take place in Atlanta

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Baseball stadium in Atlanta

Photo: John Amis / AP

In protest against a controversial electoral law in the US state of Georgia, the all-star game of Major League Baseball will not take place in Georgia's capital Atlanta this year.

"I've decided that the best way to demonstrate our values ​​as a sport is to postpone this year's All-Star Game and MLB Draft," said MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred.

A new venue should be named as soon as possible.

The original date of the event is July 13th.

Last week, the traditionally Republican state of Georgia passed a restrictive electoral law.

Critics argue that the Republicans wanted to lower the turnout of blacks and other minorities because they were more likely to vote for the Democrats.

Republicans argue it is about making the elections safer.

"Major League Baseball basically supports the right to vote for all Americans and is against restrictions on the ballot box," Manfred made clear.

"We are proud to use our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities across the country to fulfill their civic duty and take an active part in the electoral process."

In the US presidential election in November, Democrat Joe Biden won in the southern state against the then Republican incumbent Donald Trump with a very high turnout by only a few thousand votes.

The new US President Biden has heavily criticized the law in Georgia.