TEXAS – Major League Baseball on Friday announced it is moving this summer’s All-Star Game from Georgia in response to new laws there restricting voting.

A slew of similar bills is being considered in the Texas Legislature.

In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced he has declined an offer to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Texas Rangers during Monday’s opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.

In a statement, Abbott referred to MLB’s stance as a “false narrative on voter integrity laws.”

"Major League Baseball adopted what has turned out to be a false narrative about the election law reforms in Georgia, and, based on that false narrative, moved the MLB All-Star game from Atlanta," Abbott wrote. "It is shameful that America’s pastime is not only being influenced by partisan political politics, but also perpetuating false political narratives. This decision does not diminish the deep respect I have for the Texas Rangers baseball organization, which is outstanding from top to bottom."

In addition to refusing to throw out the opening day pitch on Monday, Abbott said he will no longer participate in any MLB event and that the state of Texas will not seek to host the All-Star Game or any other special events associated with the league.

When Spectrum News 1 reached out to the Rangers for response, we received the following statement from the team: 

"We are focused on today’s home opener at Globe Life Field. Frontline heroes will be participating in today’s ceremonial first pitch prior to the game."

MLB had awarded the game to Atlanta in May 2019 and the game was scheduled for July 13 as part of baseball's midsummer break that includes the Futures Game on July 11 and Home Run Derby the following night.

Commissioner Rob Manfred made the decision to move the All-Star events and the amateur draft, which had been scheduled to be held in Atlanta for the first time. A new ballpark for this year's events wasn't immediately revealed.

MLB's announcement came eight days after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a sweeping Republican-sponsored overhaul of state elections that includes new restrictions on voting by mail and greater legislative control over how elections are run.

Manfred made the decision after discussions with the Major League Baseball Players Association, individual players and the Players Alliance, an organization of Black players formed after the death of George Floyd last year.

“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,” Manfred said in a statement. “Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box.”

“Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support,” Manfred said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.