LA Dodgers abandon plan to host drag group ‘Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’ after Catholic backlash

"This year, as part of a full night of programming, we invited a number of groups to join us," the Dodgers said in a statement. “We are now aware that our inclusion of one group in particular – The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – in this year’s Pride Night has been the source of some controversy.”

The statement continued, “Given the strong feelings of people who have been offended by the sisters’ inclusion in our evening and in an effort not to distract from the great benefits that we have seen over the years of Pride Night, we are deciding to remove them from this year’s group of honorees.”

In reaction to the news, CatholicVote President Brian Burch said, “We are pleased that the @Dodgers reconsidered their decision to honor an anti-Catholic hate group known for their gross mockery of Catholic nuns.” He continued. “While we continue to wonder how such a group was selected in the first place, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for all religious believers: unchecked woke corporations have no qualms about exploiting people of faith.”

The reversal comes after leaders in the Catholic faith spoke out against the inclusion by the Dodgers. Bill Donohue of the Catholic League said, “@Dodgers taint legacy by honoring anti-Catholic group.”

In a letter to Major League Baseball commissioner Robert Manfred, Florida Senator Marco Rubio asked if the league “wants to be “inclusive and welcoming” to Christians, and if so, why are you allowing an MLB team to honor a group that mocks Christians through diabolical parodies of our faith?”

“For once, common sense prevailed in California,” Rubio responded to the cancelation.

On their website, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence describe themselves as “a leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns. We believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty.” While their motto is “Go forth and sin some more!”

The Dodgers' removal of the group comes as other companies deal with boycotts for using controversial LGBT figures in their advertising. Dylan Mulvaney sparked controversy as a promoter of Bud Light and other organizations. Sports Illustrated has seen backlash recently after featuring a trans woman, Kim Petras, on the cover.