Apr 3, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Obama applauds MLB for "taking a stand" against Georgia's voting restrictions

Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath

Former President Obama on Saturday praised Major League Baseball for moving its All-Star Game out of Atlanta due to Georgia's new law curbing voting access.

What he's saying: "Congratulations to @MLB for taking a stand on behalf of voting rights for all citizens," Obama tweeted. "There’s no better way for America’s pastime to honor the great Hank Aaron, who always led by example."

The big picture: The MLB commissioner announced the decision on Friday, saying the league "fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box."

Georgia's law, which passed in March, will disproportionately affect voters of color.
MLB's decision was applauded by players, rights groups and others.
But it was criticized by many Republicans, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who said MLB "caved to fear and lies from liberal activists."
Former President Trump, meanwhile, called for a boycott of MLB over the move.

Go deeper: 108 more voting restriction bills introduced by states since mid-February

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Obama applauds MLB for "taking a stand" against Georgia's voting restrictions

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