Maine dons rainbow warmup shirts to protest HB2 law

Maine wore rainbow warmup shirts prior to its game with Duke Saturday to protest North Carolina's HB2 law. The bill is controversial as it discriminates against transgender people who prefer to use the restroom of the gender they identify with, rather than the one on their birth certificates.

"We agreed that pulling out of a game at Duke when Duke is against the law and Coach K came out against, really couldn't have an impact," coach Bob Walsh told Matt Norlander of CBS Sports. "But what if we used it as a learning experience for our guys? I'm proud of our league and our school for the way we promote inclusion and equality. I never thought this was going to be a national headline, so I'm proud of our guys for understanding a different viewpoint they don't hear a lot about."

The Black Bears conference America East teamed up with You Can Play in December 2012 to promote education with the intent to try and end homophobia. Senior forward Mark Pirovic also commented on the political stance taken Saturday in Durham.

"Just seeing how much inequality there is in some LGBT communities such as in North Carolina with the new law that was passed was very shocking, and I'm glad we can do something to stand up against it," Pirovic said. "Being part of You Can Play to me means standing up and being an ally to help change the culture of how the LGBT community is treated and showing them the support they have from athletes everywhere."

The controversial bill has forced to the ACC to move it's football championship game from Charlotte to Orlando.