Nationals pitcher doubles down on criticism of Dodgers for hosting controversial LGBTQ group

Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams doubled down on his criticism of the Dodgers for inviting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence back to the team’s Pride Night on Friday.

The LGBTQ group, which refer to themselves as a “peak order of queer and trans nuns”, are known for mocking Christianity and initially had their invitation to Pride Night rescinded after pressure from politicians and Christians.

However, the Dodgers changed course after “honest conversations” within the organization, and Williams spoke out against the franchise again after saying he was “deeply troubled” on Tuesday.

Appearing on Catholic network EWTN News, Williams added: “It had to be said. We cannot sit idly by while our Lord laughs at us.

“It was the moment the Dodgers invited them back after knowing very well what they had been doing for 30 years,” he continued.

The LGBTQ group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are seen at Dodger Stadium on Friday night

“These negatives shouldn’t be honored and they shouldn’t make fun of a certain group.”

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who are also known for their charity work, were invited to Dodger Stadium to accept the Community Hero award – in a stadium that was less packed than usual as protesters blocked the entrance to the stadium.

Williams’ latest comments come after his initial statement against the Dodgers, where he claimed the team contradicted its own policy of discrimination by hosting the group, which has previously performed lap dances to a man strapped to a crucifix.

“As a devout Catholic, I am deeply troubled by the Dodgers’ decision to re-invite and honor ‘The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’ on their Pride Night this year,” Williams tweeted.

“A Major League Baseball game is a place where people from all walks of life should feel welcome, which I greatly respect and support. including Pride Night.

“Inviting and honoring a group that blatantly and deeply offensively mocks my religion, and the religion of over 4 million people in Los Angeles County alone, undermines the values ​​of respect and inclusiveness that should be upheld by any organization.

A member of the Sisters of Indulgence poses next to a statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus

Several members of the LGBTQ group are seen during a pride march in Paris in 2021

“Creating an environment in which one group feels celebrated and honored at the expense of another is counterproductive and wrong. This is a clear violation of the Dodgers Discrimination Policy, which explicitly states that any conduct or attire at the ballpark deemed indecent or harmful to a particular group (or religion) is not tolerated.

“It appears the Dodgers have made an exception in this case, doubling down on the fact that this group – which is sorely disrespectful and openly mocks many of the traditions and beliefs most dear to Catholics – should be celebrated.

“I believe it is essential that the Dodgers reconsider their association with this group and strive to create an inclusive environment that does not demean or respect the religious beliefs of any fan or employee.”

“I also encourage my fellow Catholics to reconsider their support for an organization that allows this type of mockery of its fans to occur. I know I am not the only one frustrated, hurt and disappointed by this situation. As Catholics, we look at Jesus Christ and the way he was treated and we realize that all suffering in this world unites us to him in the next.

Williams’ thoughts were echoed by Los Angeles pitchers Blake Treinen and Clayton Kershaw, who disagreed with the Sisters attending a Dodgers game.

Blake Treinen (left) and Clayton Kershaw disagreed with LA hosting the Sisters

‘I am disappointed to see Sister [sic] of the Perpetual Indulgence honored as heroes at Dodger Stadium,” Treinen said in a statement Wednesday. “Many of their depictions are blasphemous and their work only displays hatred and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.

“I understand that playing baseball is a privilege and not a right. My beliefs in Jesus Christ will always come first. Since I’ve been with the Dodgers [sic] they have been at the forefront of supporting a wide variety of groups.

‘However, inviting Sister [sic] of perpetual indulgence to perform disenfranchises a large community and encourages hatred of Christians and believers. This unique event alienates fans and supporters of the Dodgers, Major League Baseball and professional sports.

“People love baseball for its entertainment and competitive value. Fans don’t want propaganda or politics forced upon them. The debacle with Bud Light and Target should be a warning to corporations and professional sports to stay true to their brand and keep propaganda and politics off the field…

“I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. I believe the word of God to be true, and in Galatians 6:7 it says, ‘Make no mistake, God cannot be mocked; A man reaps what he sows.’ This group openly mocks Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of my faith, and I want to make it clear that I do not agree with or support Dodger’s decision. [sic] to ‘honor’ the Sister [sic] of Perpetual Indulgence.

”’But I and my house will serve the Lord.’ Joshua 24:15.’

Kershaw said The Los Angeles Times On Monday, the Dodgers’ decision to honor the group after it rescinded its original invitation prompted it to contact the organization to expedite an announcement regarding its Christian Faith and Family Day later this season.

However, he said he would not boycott Pride Night.

Protesters raised their voices against the Sisters ahead of the Dodgers game on Friday

People march past Dodger Stadium after a Friday prayer service in Los Angeles

A man, who declined to be named, prays outside Dodger Stadium on Friday

Religious protesters held a ‘prayer procession’ outside Dodger Stadium ahead of Pride Night

“I don’t agree with making fun of other people’s religions,” Kershaw said. It has nothing to do with anything other than that. Whatever your religion, you should make fun of someone else’s religion. So that’s something I totally disagree with.

“It has nothing to do with the LGBTQ community or Pride or anything like that. It’s just a band making fun of a religion, which I don’t agree with.

Although Kershaw did not boycott Pride Night, however, thousands of religious activists did, as they blocked the entrance to Dodger Stadium ahead of Friday night’s game against the Giants.

Protesters staged a “prayer procession” outside Dodger Stadium, answering a call for a “prayer response to the Dodgers’ ungodly decision to honor the blasphemous, Christ-mocking ‘Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’.”

Protesters wore red, in honor of the Sacred Heart, and held signs as they gathered before the game.

The rally drew a large presence from the Los Angeles Police Department, with officers standing to watch as traffic approached the backing stadium.

Three helicopters flew overhead.