- Mayor Bottoms said the MLB’s decision to pull the All-Star Game out of Atlanta would hit the area hard.
- “Just as elections have consequences, so do the actions of those elected,” she wrote.
- GOP government Brian Kemp has voiced critics of the controversial new voting bill.
- See more stories on Insider’s business page.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said Friday that Major League Baseball’s decision to move the All-Star Game out of Georgia due to the controversial new voting law is likely the start of further action against the state.
While pronounce against the law on Twitter, Spare parts emphasized the economic damage that such a setback would cause throughout Georgia.
“Just as elections have consequences, so do the actions of those elected,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, the removal of the MLB All Star game from GA is likely to be the first of many dominoes to fall, until the unnecessary barriers put in place to restrict access to the ballot box are removed.”
She added: “Boycotts in GA will hit metro Atlanta the hardest and have a ripple effect across the country. Small businesses, businesses that support our communities, and everyday working people will suffer from it. It’s not too late to see this sinking ship to jerk right.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said on Friday that the decision to move the All-Star Game and MLB Draft “was the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport.”
“Baseball in Major League fundamentally supports suffrage for all Americans and is against restrictions on the ballot box,” he said in a statement. “Fair access to voting still has our game’s unwavering support.”
Since the law was enacted on March 25, large corporations, including Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola, under pressure from politicians and activists, have taken stronger action against the restrictive measures.
The law, which is supported conservatively, tightens the electoral rules in the state by restricting the subjects, strengthening the identification requirements of the voters, blocking the use of mobile pickups, and even distributing water and food among other measures among voters.
GOP Governor Brian Kemp, who signed the bill, rejects allegations that it reinforces, completely rejects and oppresses voters, saying the law ‘makes it easy to vote and hard to cheat’.
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On Friday, the governor overturned the MLB’s decision on Fox News, accusing the organization of ‘canceling culture’.
Kemp continued to express his displeasure with the situation on Twitter, which haunts the prominent Democrats.
‘This attack on our state is the direct result of repeated lies from [President] Joe Biden and [former Georgia state House Minority Leader] Stacey Abrams on a bill that would increase access to the ballot box and ensure the integrity of our election, “he wrote. I will not retire. Georgians will not be bullied. We will continue to stand up for safe, accessible, fair elections. ‘
Abrams, who was nail-bitingly defeated by Kemp in the state’s 2018 government match and could potentially run against the incumbent governor in 2022, said on Friday that she was “disappointed” with the move, but “proud” of the MLB’s support for vote.
“Like many Georgians, I am disappointed that the MLB is relocating the All-Star Game. However, I commend the players, owners and league commissioner that they have spoken out,” she said in a statement. “Like I said, I respect boycotts, although I do not want to see Georgia families injured by lost events and jobs. Georgians targeted by voter oppression will be hurt as opportunities go to other states. We must not be the victims. of GOP do not give up. malice and lies – we must stand together. “
Former President Barack Obama Saturday praised the decision, with a nod to the late baseball icon Hank Aaron, who is threatened with races during his professional baseball career.
“Congratulations to MLB for taking a stand on behalf of all citizens,” he wrote. “There is no better way for America’s pastime to honor the great Hank Aaron, who has always led by example.”
As of Saturday, MLB has not announced the new host city for the 2021 All-Star Game.