More than an hour before the Dodgers game was to start on Friday night, there was a heavy police presence inside and outside the stadium.
The law enforcement response came after several weeks of outrage ahead of the team’s 10th annual Night of Pride at Dodger Stadium. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence receive a Community Hero Award long before the game’s first release was released, and long before most fans even got to their seats.
People who entered the stadium in time to witness the pregame ceremony seemed to have a mixed reaction to the LGBTQ+ satirical. But, some of the attendees seemed to cheer when the members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence quit when they were announced to the small crowd.
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The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are recognized before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
«The Dodgers Community Hero Award goes to an organization that reaches out to the LGBTQ+ community, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Los Angeles Chapter,» stadium announcer Todd Leitz said. «Join us in recognizing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their outstanding service to the LGBTQ+ community.»
THOUSANDS OF SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE PROTEST OUTSIDE DODGER STADIUM HOURS BEFORE THE START OF PRIDE NIGHT
Sister Dominia and Sister Unity were on the field to accept the award on behalf of their entire group.
Last month, Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, announced that the team will relaunch its Christian Faith and Family Day. The veteran pitcher said it was in response to the organization’s decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
«I think we were always going to do Christian Faith Day this year, but I think the timing of our announcement was rushed,» Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times on Monday. «Picking a date and doing those different things was part of that as well. Yes, it was in response to highlighting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. [by the Dodgers].»
Pride Night signage is displayed prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
After initially removing the group from their Pride Night event, the reinvited dodgers the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and issued an apology.
«After much thoughtful feedback from our various communities, honest conversations within 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 of Perpetual Indulgence. Perpetual Indulgence, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their friends and family,» the Dodgers said.
June 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, United States; Los Angeles Pride Board Chairman Gerald Garth applauds as Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Sister Unity and Sister Dominia receive the Community Hero Award at Pride Night before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers Angels and the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Several hours before the first pitch was to be thrown out at Los Angeles Dodgers Pride Night, a large group of protesters gathered outside the stadium.
Catholics for Catholics, a Phoenix-based group, organized what it described as «a prayer procession» in a parking lot outside Dodger Stadium.
Fox News’ Larry Fink was on scene several hours before the game began and captured video of thousands of protesters outside Dodger Stadium praying and holding flags and signs. Many of the protesters also wore red clothing in honor of the sacred heart.
June 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, United States; Los Angeles Police Department officers guard the entrance to Gate A from Los Angeles Dodgers protesters honoring the pro-LGBTQ+ group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during Pride Night at Dodger Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
The procession lasted a couple of hours before the marchers reached Vin Scully Avenue. Around the time the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were being honored on the field, the group appeared to block one of the entrances to Dodger Stadium.
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In recent years, some athletes have expressed opposition to Pride Nights. Several Tampa Bay Rays players refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys, citing their Christian faith.
In May, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass issued an apology for supporting the anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light.