The Dallas Stars have become the first professional sports team in Texas to publicly oppose the controversial “bathroom bill.”
“The Dallas Stars stands strongly opposed to any legislation perceived as discriminatory, including proposed bathroom legislation,” Stars president Jim Lites said in a statement on Wednesday. “We welcome fans from all over the globe, and our roster boasts players from half a dozen countries. Dallas welcomes all, and we welcome all.”
The proposed bill, which has not yet been passed, would require transgender people in Texas to use public restrooms that correspond to the gender on their birth certificates.
The NHL has yet to comment on the matter.
You Can Play, an organization that, according to its mission statement, is dedicated to “ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation and/or gender identity,” has supported the move by the Stars.
It previously took issue with the NHL Draft being awarded to Dallas in July.
“We would encourage our partners at the NHL to carefully consider the message sent to fans – all fans – by holding the 2018 NHL Draft celebration in a state that has chosen to write discrimination into law,” the organization said in a statement. “Hosting events like the draft is a privilege. We believe events like this should be held in states, cities and venues where all fans, athletes and their families feel welcome.”