NHL goalie and Christian James Reimer refuses to wear ‘Pride Night’ jersey
San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer has faced criticism after refusing to wear an LGBTQ-themed “Pride Night” jersey before his team’s home game against the New York Islanders.
The jerseys were meant to show the organization’s “commitment of allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community” and were designed by a queer artist with a Pride crest and patch reading “Love Wins.”
However, Reimer, who is a Christian, said that he would not wear the jersey due to his personal convictions based on the Bible. “For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian,” Reimer said in a statement. “Not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily.”
“I have personal faith in Jesus Christ for my sins and, in response, he asks me to love everyone and follow him. He has no hate in his heart and strives to treat everyone with respect and kindness,” he added. “In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions.”
Reimer did emphasize that he believes “every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey.”
Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke criticized Reimer’s decision, stating that the Pride sweaters are “about inclusion and welcoming everybody” and that wearing them does not mean endorsing any set of values or cause.
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