Based
on the Danville German Society's commitment to fairness and inclusion, the DGS
will not host the 75th Annual Elk Toss, Charity Auction, and Winter Festival in
North Carolina in 2017. The DGS Officers made this decision because of the cumulative actions taken by
the state concerning civil rights protections.
In its decision Monday, the DGS Officers emphasized that the Elk Toss and associated events must promote an inclusive atmosphere for all participants and fans. Current North Carolina state laws make it challenging to guarantee that host communities can help deliver on that commitment if DGS events remained in the state, the board said.
“Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in the Elk Toss, or even compete for championships,” said unnamed DGS President. “We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships."
The officers stressed that the dynamic in North Carolina is different from that of other states because of at least four specific factors:
Historically, the DGS has taken steps to ensure its championship environment is consistent with its values. The DGS bans championships in states where governments display the Confederate battle flag or authorize sports wagering and at venues that use hostile and abusive Native American imagery.
The 75th Annual Elk Toss, Charity Auction, and Winter Festival will be held at the Wagner Farm in Danville on February 25, 2017.
In its decision Monday, the DGS Officers emphasized that the Elk Toss and associated events must promote an inclusive atmosphere for all participants and fans. Current North Carolina state laws make it challenging to guarantee that host communities can help deliver on that commitment if DGS events remained in the state, the board said.
“Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in the Elk Toss, or even compete for championships,” said unnamed DGS President. “We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships."
The officers stressed that the dynamic in North Carolina is different from that of other states because of at least four specific factors:
- North Carolina laws invalidate any local law that treats sexual orientation as a protected class or has a purpose to prevent discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals.
- North Carolina has the only statewide law that makes it unlawful to use a restroom different from the gender on one’s birth certificate, regardless of gender identity.
- North Carolina law provides legal protections for government officials to refuse services to the LGBT community.
- Five states plus numerous cities prohibit travel to North Carolina for public employees and representatives of public institutions, which could include Elk Toss athletes and coaching staff. These states are New York, Minnesota, Washington, Vermont and Connecticut.
- 2017 Elk Toss
- 2017 Salad Toss
- 2017 Scrap Iron Toss
- 2017 Beard Competition
- 2017 Elk Bugling Competition
Historically, the DGS has taken steps to ensure its championship environment is consistent with its values. The DGS bans championships in states where governments display the Confederate battle flag or authorize sports wagering and at venues that use hostile and abusive Native American imagery.
The 75th Annual Elk Toss, Charity Auction, and Winter Festival will be held at the Wagner Farm in Danville on February 25, 2017.
2 comments:
TRUMP 2016!
Suck it North Carolina
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