Last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers made the controversial announcement that the team would be honoring the LGBTQ group The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during the team’s Pride Night game in Junes. And as it turns out, star pitcher Clayton Kershaw is against that decision.
During an interview with the Los Angeles Times this week, Clayton Kershaw – a vocal Christian – voiced his disapproval of the team’s decision to honor The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, claiming that the group is offensive to Christians.
“I don’t agree with making fun of other people’s religions,” Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times. “It has nothing to do with anything other than that. I just don’t think that, no matter what religion you are, you should make fun of somebody else’s religion. So that’s something that I definitely don’t agree with.”
Kershaw made it clear that he opposes this particular group, but not the LGBTQ community in general.
“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.”
It’s a strong announcement by Kershaw, and the sports world had plenty to say about it on social media.
"I don’t agree with making fun of other people’s religions," –@ClaytonKersh22 told the LA Times.
This should not be that difficult. I can't imagine the Dodgers inviting groups spoofing Jews, Hindus, or Muslims.
Let's do better, @Dodgers.https://t.co/Gozv15PDWz
— Ed Stetzer (@edstetzer) May 30, 2023
Clayton Kershaw didn’t say anything offensive. He just wasn’t comfortable/ supportive of anyone making fun of anyone else’s religion.
If you are reading a story, read the whole thing.
This is all I have to say.
— Jonathan Chernin (@Cherninjonathan) May 30, 2023
Despite his disapproval of the Sisters, Kershaw will not boycott Pride Night.
“As a follower of Christ, we’re supposed to love everybody well,” Kershaw said. “And I think that means being able to be at a lot of different places and be able to be a part of a lot of different things.”