The Los Angeles Dodgers made a series of widely criticized decisions regarding an LGBTQ+ group attending their Pride Night event. After reversing course twice, Clayton Kershaw has taken issue with the organization.
On May 17, the Dodgers rescinded an invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBTQ+ group founded in San Francisco in 1979 which dons bright nun-like garb and face paint.
Their website states that they, “… use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit.”
Their removal came after criticism from from a number of Catholic groups. That led to even wider backlash, which included other groups pulling out of Pride Night on June 16. On May 22, the Dodgers changed course again and welcomed the Sisters back.
Per the LA Times, Kershaw disapproves of the decision. He went to the Dodgers promptly after the announcement in order to get an event he approved of, “Christian Faith and Family Day,” confirmed and promptly announced.
“I think we were always going to do Christian Faith Day this year, but I think the timing of our announcement was sped up,” Kershaw said. “Picking a date and doing those different things was part of it as well. Yes, it was in response to the highlighting of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.”
Kershaw went on to say that he disagrees with the Sisters because he believes they poke fun at Christianity.
“This has nothing to do with the LGBTQ community or Pride or anything like that,” Kershaw said. “This is simply a group that was making fun of a religion, that I don’t agree with.”
The longtime Dodgers pitcher also added that he would not boycott Pride Night on June 16, when the Giants will visit the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
