The 2021 North American League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game will not take place in Atlanta as planned.

The organizers announced that they had decided to relocate the event to protest against a new law in the state of Georgia accused by its critics of wanting to limit access to the ballot boxes, particularly to African-American voters.

"The best way to demonstrate our values ​​is to relocate the All-Star Game and the MLB Draft this year," forum boss Rob Manfred said in a statement.

"Today, the MLB gave in to fear, political expediency and liberal lies," said Republican Governor of Georgia Brian Kemp on Twitter.

"I will not back down. Georgians will not be intimidated. We will continue to fight for secure, accessible and fair elections."

@ MLB's decision is not about access to voting.

It's about a lack of courage to stand up to the lies of a radical mob hellbent on distorting the truth for political gain.

- Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) April 2, 2021

Many critics of the law passed last week say it imposes severe restrictions on voters.

US President Joe Biden, who described this law as "despicable", said this week that he was in favor of the organization of the All-Star Game outside of Atlanta.

In that capacity, Rob Manfred said the MLB was in the process of "finalizing" plans to designate a new host city for the gala meeting scheduled for July 13.

"The league has engaged in thoughtful conversations" with clubs, former and current players, and the players' union to take their views into account before making this decision.

"Major League Baseball fundamentally supports the right to vote for all Americans and opposes restrictions at the ballot box," said Manfred.

The new law has sparked multiple protests and threats of a boycott from Georgia-based companies, such as Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, both of which have spoken out against its passage.

A controversial law

Among other measures, it is now prohibited to distribute food and drink to voters who line up to vote, as this could unfairly influence the choice of voters.

The republican text also provides for restricting the number of ballot boxes installed in the street to deposit the ballots at any time ("drop box"), reinforced controls of the identity of voters voting by mail, and the limitation of the time allowed for ask for his ballots by proxy.

"Businesses and clubs have a strong voice and their capacity to push for change is great. I respect the players' decision to speak out against this unfair law," said Rev. Raphael Warnock, Democratic Senator from Georgia.

"It was not the people or the workers of Georgia who drafted this law, it was politicians who seek to retain power at the expense of Georgian voices. And the decision taken today by the MLB is the unfortunate consequence. actions of these politicians, "he said.

The Atlanta Braves said they were "deeply disappointed with the MLB decision", saying "it was neither our decision nor our recommendation. We are saddened that fans cannot see this event in our city. ".

On the other hand, several sports personalities applauded her, including the NBA superstar LeBron James, whose association "More Than A Vote" (more than a vote) aims to encourage the vote of blacks and facilitate their access to ballot boxes.

"I'm proud to be part of the MLB family today," tweeted the one who recently became a minority shareholder in the Boston Red Sox.

Proud to call myself a part of the @mlb family today.

@Morethanavote #BlackLivesMatter 🙏🏾✊🏾👑

- LeBron James (@KingJames) April 2, 2021

With AFP

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR