The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing criticism ahead of their upcoming LGBTQ+ Pride Night due to the team’s decision to cancel what is supposed to be their 10th anniversary celebration of diversity and inclusion on June 16 at Dodger Stadium.

The group announced Wednesday that it will no longer honor them Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the Community Hero Award at a ceremony earlier that night, criticizing charities, protests and street performers who use humor and religious imagery to promote sexism.

The decision came after intense pressure from Catholic organizations, including the Catholic League and CatholicVote, and Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, wrote a letter to Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred asking if the inclusion of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence would be possible. to be “joined and welcome to Christians.”

In announcing their decision, the Dodgers said that LGBTQ+ Pride Night “has been a meaningful event, not only to show the diversity and courage among our fans, but also to support the work of an amazing team.” However, the group also said: “Considering the emotional impact of those who are upset with the inclusion of sisters in our evening, and in an effort not to disrupt the great benefits we have seen over the years of Pride Night, we did so.” they have decided to remove them from this year’s honorees.”

By Thursday, what was supposed to be a coming-of-age celebration at Dodger Stadium had turned into a firestorm of controversy.

Los Angeles LGBT Center challenged the Dodger’s decision On Thursday, they want the group to change its mind about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence or cancel Pride Night altogether.

Among other things, the organization’s statement said: “Fighting the pressure of outsiders, right-wing opponents, the Dodgers have succumbed to a few religious groups that perpetuate false narratives about LGBTQ+. They have been fed lies about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, thus contributing to the campaign against and LGBTQ should happen in this country. In a year where more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws are on the books – many of which target the freedom of speech, expression and autonomy of our community – the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is more important than ever, and unfortunately the Dodgers chose. to bow to religious freedom instead of standing with our LGBTQ community.”

American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California he also announced on Twitter that, in agreement with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, “we will not take part in the Pride Night.” The organization said in a letter that the Dodgers, who broke the baseball streak with Jackie Robinson in 1947, were “combined winners.”

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence was founded in 1979 in San Francisco. According to the group’s website, its members are committed to “helping people, ministry and outreach to marginalized people, as well as promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment.” The organization uses “humor and irreverent wit to reveal the forces of prejudice, openness and guilt that bind the human spirit.”

Members of the group, who call themselves “the most advanced nuns and nuns,” often wear religious clothing, like nuns’ habits.

The Los Angeles branch of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, which has served the LGBTQ community in the community for 27 years, will receive an award from the Dodgers.

In expression of frustration that the Dodgers are “yielding to pressure from people outside the state of California and outside of our community” and recognize that the Dodgers have chosen to “join us in public service,” the group continued. that:

We are both naive and determined. We use our pride to serve our mission of charity and our message, which is, ‘There is a place in our world for every person to be who they are, just as they are, without shame or guilt, and live in love and joy for them. . the owner.

“We want to say that even though our LGBTQIA community is being attacked by a small group of extremists who want to roll back human progress, they are few and far between and do not represent the commitment of the American people to the country that sits next to us in our great melting pot.”