What Happened
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has recently drawn attention for wearing a hat with a Bible passage during the team’s Pride Night celebration. The event, which took place on June 13, 2025, featured players wearing caps that incorporated the colors of the Pride flag. Kershaw, however, modified his hat to include the inscription “Gen 9:12-16,” referencing a biblical passage that discusses God’s covenant with Noah and identifies the rainbow as a sign of that promise. This act has sparked significant discussion on social media and among fans, with reactions ranging from support to criticism.
Kershaw’s decision to wear the modified hat comes after he publicly opposed the Dodgers’ choice to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group known for its drag performances and satirical takes on religious themes, during a previous Pride Night in 2023. Kershaw expressed his discomfort with the group’s portrayal of Christianity, stating that his opposition was not against the LGBTQ+ community but rather against what he perceived as mockery of his faith.
Key Details
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Event Context: The Dodgers’ Pride Night is an annual celebration aimed at promoting inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The 2025 event marked the 12th annual occurrence of this celebration.
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Kershaw’s Hat: The hat worn by Kershaw featured the Dodgers’ logo with rainbow colors, but he added the biblical reference, which reads: “And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.’”
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Public Reaction: Kershaw’s action has elicited mixed responses. Supporters praised him for standing up for his beliefs, while critics argued that he undermined the spirit of the Pride event. Some fans expressed disappointment, suggesting that the rainbow can represent both LGBTQ+ pride and its biblical connotation.
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Historical Context: Kershaw’s previous opposition to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in 2023 led to a backlash against the Dodgers, prompting the team to announce a Christian Faith and Family Day, which had not been held since 2019. Kershaw clarified that his concerns were specific to the group’s actions and did not extend to the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Multiple Perspectives
The incident has generated a variety of viewpoints:
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Supporters of Kershaw: Many individuals, particularly those who share Kershaw’s Christian faith, have praised him for his boldness in expressing his beliefs. Supporters argue that he is reminding people of the original biblical significance of the rainbow, which they feel is often overlooked in discussions surrounding Pride.
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Critics of Kershaw: Conversely, critics contend that Kershaw’s modification of the hat was inappropriate for an event designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Some argue that it detracts from the purpose of Pride Night and could be seen as a form of protest against the LGBTQ+ community. Comments on social media reflect a range of sentiments, from disappointment to calls for him to “stick to sports.”
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The Dodgers’ Position: The Dodgers organization has not publicly commented on Kershaw’s actions during the recent event. However, the team’s previous decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence has been met with both support and backlash, indicating a complex relationship with LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Context & Background
Kershaw’s actions must be understood within the broader context of ongoing debates about religion, sexuality, and representation in sports. The intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ rights has been a contentious issue in many communities, and Kershaw’s position reflects a personal conviction that resonates with a segment of the population that feels similarly. The Dodgers’ Pride Night is part of a growing trend among professional sports teams to embrace diversity and inclusivity, yet it also highlights the challenges that arise when personal beliefs intersect with public events aimed at promoting equality.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the group Kershaw has criticized, is known for its provocative performances that often challenge societal norms, including religious conventions. This has led to a polarized response from various groups, illustrating the ongoing cultural tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ representation.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While Kershaw’s actions have sparked significant discussion, there are still unanswered questions regarding the implications of his statement. It remains unclear how the Dodgers organization will address the situation moving forward, especially in light of Kershaw’s prominent role within the team. Additionally, the long-term effects of this incident on Kershaw’s relationship with fans and the LGBTQ+ community are yet to be fully understood. The ongoing dialogue around faith and LGBTQ+ rights in sports continues to evolve, and further developments may emerge as the season progresses.
