Major League Baseball player Trevor Williams, a starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals, took to Twitter to express his deep concern over the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to reinvite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI) for their upcoming Pride Night. Williams, acknowledging the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all fans, expressed his disappointment that a group which mocks his religion and the beliefs of millions of others would be honored at the expense of inclusivity and respect.
Citing the Dodgers’ own discrimination policy, Williams argued that the reinvitation of SPI constitutes a violation of their policy against indecent or prejudiced conduct at the ballpark. He emphasized the need for the Dodgers to reconsider their association with the group in order to foster an inclusive environment that does not demean or disrespect the religious beliefs of fans or employees.
Williams further encouraged his fellow Catholics to reconsider their support for the Dodgers, expressing his belief that the situation has caused frustration, hurt, and disappointment among many. He invoked the example of Jesus Christ, urging Catholics to find solace in their faith and remain united in the face of adversity.
Clayton Kershaw, a prominent Dodgers pitcher, also criticized the team’s decision, highlighting the importance of respecting all religions and disapproving of making fun of others’ beliefs. Kershaw emphasized that his own pitch to bring back the organization’s Faith Day was a response to the SPI’s invitation and had no connection to the LGBTQ+ community or Pride.
While the Dodgers’ Pride Night is scheduled for June 16, Faith Day is planned for July 30, prompting discussions about the balance between inclusivity and respecting religious beliefs in the context of these themed events.
