Major League Baseball has pulled the 2021 All-Star Game and amateur draft out of the city of Atlanta.

The move was done in opposition to the controversial voter suppression bill recently becoming law in the state of Georgia.

MLB Commissioner Rob Mandred released an official statement explaining the decision:

“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year's All-Star Game and MLB Draft.”

The game was slated for July 13, while the draft was also set to take place during All-Star Weekend from July 11-13.

The bill, which was signed into lawa last week by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, imposes voter ID requirements for absentee ballots, enables state officials to control local elections boards, restricts the availability of ballot drop boxes, and even makes it a crime to offer food and water to people waiting in line to vote.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden told ESPN that he would “strongly support” baseball relocating its Midsummer Classic in the wake of the bill's passage:

In his statement, Manfred reiterated baseball's support of voting rights. The controversial measure is under immense fire for targeting Black communities, which make up a large portion of Georgia's electorate:

“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game's unwavering support.”

The 2021 All-Star Game is also going to serve as a celebration of Hank Aaron, who overcame harsh racism in the Jim Crow South and during the Civil Rights era to star with the Braves for two decades. Aaron, the all-time RBI leader who hit 755 career home runs, passed away in February at the age of 86. Manfred said plans to honor Aaron will move forward.

The Atlanta Braves expressed their disappointment with the decision to pull the game:

A new host city and related details will be announced “shortly,” the commissioner said. There's already some lobbying going on:

We'll see what MLB decides to do.