Staff Reports
On Friday evening, a sizable gathering of devout Catholics, Christians, and others assembled to stage a protest outside the Dodgers' Pride Night promotion. Their purpose was to convey a powerful message to both the team owners and those intending to partake in the pre-game ceremony. This protest marked the culmination of a contentious controversy that had been brewing for weeks, originating from the team's decision to pay tribute to the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," a drag group known for performing provocative parodies of the Catholic faith, including the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Such actions not only display disrespect but also exhibit highly inappropriate conduct.
JUST IN: Dodger Stadium was a total ghost town during the Dodgers pride ceremony where they honored an anti-catholic hate group.
Keep on fighting, the boycotts and protests are working! ?https://t.co/NZfq9l3ayE
— Proud Elephant ??? (@ProudElephantUS) June 17, 2023
During the pre-game ceremony, where the group was being honored, the stadium was notably sparsely occupied, and a considerable number of fans expressed their disapproval with boos when the group's name was announced. Despite this reaction, the Dodgers proceeded with their decision to honor the group, which clearly indicated a complete disregard for the religious sentiments held by their fans and their endorsement of behavior that is both immoral and anti-Christian.
DODGER STADIUM-The “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” are recognized for Pride night to a mostly empty audience.
Two Dodgers fan nearby begin loudly booing after they’re announced: pic.twitter.com/OO6NT5RIc8
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) June 17, 2023
“If you are anti-Catholic, you’re anti-religion, you’re anti-God, I got a problem with that”
A Jewish rabbi speaks in solidarity with the Catholics outside of Dodger Stadium. The crowd has exponentially grown in size and more people are still continuing to arrive: pic.twitter.com/6WiYRIWZvp
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) June 16, 2023
BREAKING: Thousands of Catholics have shut down the main entrance to Dodger Stadium on Vin Scully avenue in protest of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence being honored tonight.
They are now lining the sidewalks and have taken over the entire block: pic.twitter.com/F5CSDvuap8
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) June 17, 2023
Several hundred protesters, many carrying signs, religious artifacts, and flags, including a significant number who spoke Spanish, gathered outside the stadium nearly 4.5 hours before the start of the game to voice their frustration. They effectively blocked the main entrance to the stadium on Vin Scully Avenue, ensuring that their presence was unmistakable. The Jewish Rabbi expressed his support by stating, "If you are anti-Catholic, you’re anti-religion, and you’re anti-God, I got a problem with that," underscoring the seriousness of the situation. These sentiments, combined with the blatant disrespect for religious beliefs, have evoked rightful anger from individuals of all faiths.
Prominent MLB players like Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams and Dodgers pitcher Blake Trienen called on fans to boycott the team. Even the Archdiocese of Los Angeles explicitly stated that the planned protests against the team did not have its endorsement or approval. Despite this lack of official backing, a substantial crowd turned out to send a strong message to the team owners.
Over the past decade, the Dodgers have consistently boasted some of the league's highest attendance figures, making it all the more unacceptable and hurtful to witness their unwavering commitment to honoring a group engaged in actions that are both immoral and anti-Christian. Numerous individuals are demanding decisive action against the team, including boycotts and protests, until they reverse their ill-advised decisions.
It is regrettable that the Dodgers have chosen to honor the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," thus creating a rift between them and their devoted fans. It is high time for the team to take corrective action and restore the faith and respect that their patrons once had in them.
