BREAKING - NHL Team Cancels Pride Night Due to Serious 'Safety Concerns'

Published March 22, 2023 at 7:09 PM
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The Chicago Blackhawks received backlash after canceling their Pride Night celebration that would have featured special rainbow jerseys to be auctioned for the benefit of LGBTQ+ organizations. The decision to cancel the jerseys was made due to concerns over the safety of players, staff, and fans as well as backlash from the Russian government's anti-LGBTQ "propaganda" laws.

Sources confirmed that the decision was made by the organization and not the players. The Blackhawks reportedly took into account the Russian heritage of some of the team's players and the country's new law prohibiting "gay propaganda" when making the decision.

Critics have condemned the team's decision, calling it a setback for inclusivity and a failure to stand up for marginalized communities. However, the Blackhawks defended their decision, saying that they prioritized the safety of all those involved.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in sports, despite the progress made by athletes and teams who openly support LGBTQ+ rights.


Safety concerns over Russia's anti-LGBTQ "propaganda" law are behind the team decision not to wear the jerseys, sources say.

I'm told this was an organizational decision, and didn't come from the players. The Blackhawks will not wear Pride jerseys for warmups on Pride Night on Sunday, per sources.

With three players of Russian heritage on the roster, safety concerns about a new Russian law banning "gay propaganda" prompted the decision.


Critics argued that the cancellation represented a failure to stand up for marginalized communities and was a step back for inclusivity. However, the Blackhawks defended their decision, stating that they did not want to put anyone in harm's way.

This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in sports. Despite progress made in recent years, such as more athletes and teams openly supporting LGBTQ+ rights, there are still significant challenges to overcome.
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March 22   |   130 answers
BREAKING - NHL Team Cancels Pride Night Due to Serious 'Safety Concerns'

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