The Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to invite an LGBTQIA+ group called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their annual Pride Night has sparked controversy. Dodgers player Clayton Kershaw has publicly expressed his disagreement with the team’s decision to honor the group after it rescinded its original invitation. Kershaw approached the Dodgers about expediting the announcement of Christian Faith and Family Day, which will be held on July 30 when the Dodgers face the Cincinnati Reds. Kershaw clarified that his issue was with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and not the LGBTQIA+ community, and he will not boycott Pride Night on June 16 when the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers declined to comment on the situation.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Backlash
The Dodgers rescinded their original invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence on May 17 after receiving backlash from some conservative Roman Catholics and politicians, including Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. The group was accused of mocking nuns and the Christian faith, which the group denies. However, the Dodgers’ decision sparked its own backlash from LGBTQIA+ groups around the country, with some deciding to pull out of Pride Night. The Dodgers reversed their decision five days later and welcomed the group back. The Sisters, a charity, protest and performance group that was founded in 1979 in San Francisco, is a group of mainly men who dress as nuns. Its Los Angeles chapter will receive the Community Hero Award.
Athletes’ Objection to Pride Nights
Kershaw is not the first athlete to object to Pride Nights. Last season, five pitchers with the Tampa Bay Rays cited their Christian faith in refusing to wear Pride jerseys. On Tuesday, Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams criticized the Dodgers, stating that he was “deeply troubled” by the decision. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass also apologized for expressing support on social media for anti-LGBTQIA+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light. During the recent NHL regular season, seven players opted out of wearing rainbow-colored jerseys on their teams’ Pride nights. The Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild did not wear rainbow warm-up jerseys after doing so in previous seasons.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to invite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence has sparked controversy and objections from some athletes. While the Dodgers reversed their decision to rescind the Sisters’ invitation, the issue has brought attention to the ongoing debate surrounding Pride Nights and the LGBTQIA+ community in sports.
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