USA Rugby has pushed out a press release today slamming the new legislations placed out by the state of North Carolina. The new law that was enacted, would allow business owners to legally discriminate against providing services to those in the LGBT community.
The official statement by USA rugby says:
LAFAYETTE, Colo. – USA Rugby, the National Governing Body for the sport of rugby in the United States, and our partner, the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO), would like to express our deep concerns over the recent legislation passed in North Carolina. Our philosophy is one of inclusiveness, tolerance, and belief in the dignity of the athlete regardless of one’s personal beliefs.
Further, we adhere to World Rugby’s core values of Integrity, Solidarity, Discipline and Respect. Most particularly, “Rugby provides a unifying spirit that leads to life-long friendships, camaraderie, teamwork and loyalty which transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences.”
USA Rugby, NSCRO, and all of our rugby partners on and off the field, and the more than one hundred thousand registered USA Rugby members we represent, respectfully request the North Carolina legislature repeal laws that effectively warrant discrimination against certain individuals.
Without such action, we will be forced to reconsider North Carolina as a future viable location for our playoff competitions and our national championships.
What this means for the collegiate 7s championships set to take place in Cary, NC in June will soon to be seen. Charlotte, North Carolina is also home to the Rugby Athletic Center, which has housed more and more major rugby matches, such as the NSCRO National Championships and ACRC’s.
