The Los Angeles Dodgers have issued an apology and re-invited The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to the team’s upcoming Pride Night, following a public outcry over the activist organization’s initial rescinding of the invitation .
In a statement released by the Dodgers, they expressed their regret and acknowledged the various comments received from the communities, conversations with their organization and discussions with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The team offered their sincerest apologies to the sisters, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and their friends and family. They further acknowledged the rescue work that the group has tirelessly carried out for decades and expressed gratitude for their efforts.
pic.twitter.com/626cPP4Ith
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 22, 2023
“After much thoughtful feedback from our various communities, honest conversations with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, and generous discussions with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Los Angeles Dodgers would like to offer our sincerest apologies to the [Sisters]members of the LGBTQ+ community and their friends and families,” the team said in a statement, adding that the group “has agreed to receive our collective thanks from our collective communities for the work of rescue that they have done tirelessly for decades. “
The initial decision to exclude The Sisters from Pride Night came after facing a conservative backlash, which was further amplified by Senator Marco Rubio’s comments condemning drag queen performers who mock Christianity.
Sent a letter to @MLB Commissioner Manfred regarding the @Dodgers decision to promote a Woke Far Left anti-Catholic agenda.
Drag queen performers should NOT be celebrated for their shameful imitation of Catholic nuns.https://t.co/GV6NHlW6yw pic.twitter.com/8rHot8n7pD
— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) May 15, 2023
“He sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Manfred regarding the Dodgers“decision to promote a woke far-left anti-Catholic agenda,” Rubio wrote. “Drag queen performers should NOT be celebrated for their shameful imitation of Roman Catholic nuns.”
On May 17, the Dodgers issued a statement acknowledging the controversy surrounding The Sisters’ inclusion and decided to remove them from the list of honorees for this year’s event. The team wanted to avoid distractions from the positive impact of Pride Night, taking into account the strong emotions expressed by people offended by the involvement of the Sisters.
However, LA Pride decided to pull out of the event in solidarity with The Sisters following their removal. In a statement, LA Pride affirmed its commitment to fight for equality and inclusion for the entire LGBTQ+ community, expressing its determination to continue its efforts. The Sisters also expressed their disappointment and outrage, criticizing the Dodgers for giving in to pressure and misinformation.
The Sisters, a longtime San Francisco drag act known for their satirical take on Catholicism through queer and trans “nuns,” responded to the Dodgers’ new statement by accepting the Community Hero Award. Their Facebook post acknowledged the Dodgers’ apology and explanation, stating that the incident had only strengthened and uplifted their group, allowing them to spread their message of hope and joy to a larger audience.
The Dodgers’ re-invitation of The Sisters comes as 18 states across the country have passed laws against drag performers performing sexually in front of children, with additional bills pending in more than a dozen states . The team’s latest statement expressed a commitment to working with LGBTQ+ partners to further educate themselves, strengthen bonds and use their platform to support the Dodgers’ diverse family of fans.
Sean Davis of The Federalist criticized the LA Dodgers’ statement that they were pulling out of the so-called “Rainbow Mafia.”
“The demons who run the Rainbow Mafia make no secret of their hatred of Christianity,” Davis commented. “This kind of evil, which aims to mutilate and sexually exploit your child, cannot be negotiated. It must be destroyed and eradicated.”
Sara Higdon, who describes herself as transgender, Catholic and a veteran, also weighed in on the Dodgers’ decision.
“So now you’re going to host an anti-Christian hate group?” Higdon commented.
Liz Wheeler called the Dodgers “cowards” for pulling out.
“You are cowards for giving in to anti-Catholic neo-Marxist drag queens,” Wheeler said. “You’re thumbing the nose at all your Christian fans. Have you learned nothing from the Bud Light boycott?
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