NHL’s ‘Pride Tape’ Ban Angers LGBT Community.
NHL Bans Use of ‘Pride Tape,’ Enraging LGBT Groups
The NHL recently sent a memo to teams, sparking controversy among LGBT groups, as it clarified the rules surrounding theme celebrations for players this season. One of the notable changes is the ban on the use of rainbow-colored stick tape during “pride” nights, which have become a contentious issue in hockey.
The updated guidance emphasizes that on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups, and official team practices cannot be modified to reflect theme nights, including “pride,” Hockey Fights Cancer, or military appreciation celebrations. However, players are still allowed to voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice.
Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the issuance of the updated memo, which was first reported by ESPN. This development occurred just a few hours before the season opened with three exciting games.
The You Can Play Project, an organization that advocates for LGBT participation in sports and has been partnered with the NHL for the past decade, strongly criticized the league’s decision, stating, “If Hockey is for Everyone, this is not the way forward.”
In June, the NHL made the decision to disallow teams from wearing any theme jerseys during warmups after several players chose not to participate in “pride” nights last season. The league expressed concern that players opting out of these events were diverting attention from the community work being done by the teams.
Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the issue during All-Star Weekend festivities in February, stating, “You know what our goals, our values, and our intentions are across the league, whether it’s at the league level or at the club level. But we also have to respect individual choice, and some people are more comfortable embracing themselves in causes than others. And part of being diverse and welcoming is understanding those differences.”
Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov was the first player to decline participation in warmups when the Flyers wore rainbow-colored jerseys for their “pride” night game in January. Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason for his decision. Six other players, including Ilya Lyubushkin, Denis Gurianov, Andrei Kuzmenko, James Reimer, and Eric and Marc Staal, followed suit for various reasons. Additionally, teams such as the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, and Chicago Blackhawks chose not to have any players wear “pride” jerseys during warmups.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post NHL Bans Use of ‘Pride Tape,’ Enraging LGBT Groups appeared first on The Western Journal.
Why has the NHL’s ban on pride tape received criticism for hindering LGBT inclusivity in the sport?
Ering with the NHL since 2013, expressed disappointment and frustration over the ban. They argued that the use of pride tape is a simple and impactful way to show support for the LGBT community and promote inclusivity in hockey.
Pride tape, which features rainbow-colored designs, has gained popularity in recent years as a visual symbol of support for the LGBT community. Players often use it on their sticks during pride nights to demonstrate their solidarity. The tape has been seen as an important tool in breaking down barriers and fostering acceptance within the hockey community.
The NHL’s decision to ban the use of pride tape has been criticized as a step back for LGBT inclusivity in the sport. LGBT groups argue that by restricting players from using a simple piece of tape, the NHL is sending a message that support for the community is not welcome.
The ban has also raised concerns over the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Despite efforts to promote inclusivity, such as the You Can Play Project, the NHL’s decision to ban pride tape calls into question the sincerity of these initiatives.
In response to the ban, LGBT groups and advocates have called on the NHL to reconsider its position. They argue that the use of pride tape is a powerful symbol of support that should be embraced, not restricted. By allowing players to use pride tape, the NHL could send a strong message that it stands with the LGBT community and is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players.
It remains to be seen how the NHL will respond to the backlash. The league has faced criticism in the past for its handling of LGBT issues, and this latest controversy only adds fuel to the fire. As the debate continues, it is clear that the use of pride tape in hockey goes beyond a simple piece of equipment. It is a statement of support and an important step towards greater inclusivity in the sport.
In a time when acceptance and inclusivity are valued more than ever, the NHL’s ban on pride tape is a disappointing setback. By restricting the use of this simple symbol of support, the league is sending a message that LGBT inclusivity is not a priority. It is my hope that the NHL will reconsider its position and recognize the importance of embracing diversity and promoting acceptance in the sport. Only then can hockey truly be a game for everyone.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...