Stars are first Texas pro sports team to publicly oppose state's 'bathroom bill'

When the NHL awarded its 2018 draft to Dallas, it was met with harsh criticism from the LGBT community in the wake of the controversial "bathroom bill" proposed by Texas legislators.

While Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Texans owner Bob McNair have criticized the measure, the Stars are now the first team to officially oppose it.

"The Dallas Stars stand strongly opposed to any legislation perceived as discriminatory, including proposed bathroom legislation," team president Jim Lites said in a statement released Wednesday. "Dallas welcomes all, and we welcome all.

"We are proud of our home and want every visitor to feel safe at home here, too, and that's why we oppose this discriminatory bathroom legislation."

The proposed bill, which is being met with strong opposition, would require transgender people to use bathrooms in schools and government buildings assigned to the gender on their birth certificate.

Cuban doesn't believe the proposed bill is hurting Texas businesses now, but warned against excusing the behavior of "crazy, entertaining state politicians who are merely a sideshow."

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The Dallas Morning News reported last month the Cowboys have been "quietly lobbying against" the bill in the hope of landing the NFL Draft next year.

The Stars are not new to addressing controversial topics. The team poked fun at Donald Trump's January spat with the media over the size of the crowd at his inauguration.