During a commencement speech at Benedictine College, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker criticized Pride Month and events supporting the LGBTQ+ community as examples of the “deadly sins” while advocating for a more conservative approach to Catholicism. He emphasized the importance of God-centered pride and cooperation with the Holy Spirit to glorify God. Butker urged the graduating class to prevent political leaders from interfering with social issues that impact their relationship with the church, praising Benedictine for embracing traditional Catholic values.
Butker also criticized an Associated Press article on America’s Catholic Church, which highlighted Benedictine’s rules that may seem outdated, including volunteering for early morning prayers and restrictions on certain behaviors like premarital sex and pornography. Despite the criticism, he encouraged the college community to respond with pride rather than anger, emphasizing the importance of embracing tradition for both worldly and spiritual success. Benedictine College, a liberal arts institution with a focus on faith and leadership, has faced controversy in the past, such as ordering a basketball player to remove a Pride flag from his dorm room window in 2014.
In his speech, Butker also took aim at President Joe Biden on issues like abortion, the coronavirus pandemic, and his devotion to Catholicism. He questioned Biden’s adherence to Catholic teachings and criticized gender ideologies, stating that a woman’s most significant title should be “homemaker.” Despite these controversial statements, Butker’s remarks received praise from those who agree with his conservative views. The Kansas City Chiefs have not issued a response to Butker’s comments, highlighting the ongoing debate over the intersection of sports, politics, and social issues.
While the NFL is not in season during Pride Month, the league participates in LGBTQ+ initiatives, including hosting events in partnership with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations like GLAAD. The Chiefs, like other NFL teams, offer Pride-themed apparel with rainbow colors to support LGBTQ+ communities. Kansas City is among many cities in North America that host Pride events during June, led by organizations like the KC Pride Community Alliance. Butker, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has found success with the Chiefs since being drafted in 2017 and is known for his accuracy as a kicker, making 33 of 35 field goals during the 2023 season.
In conclusion, Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College sparked controversy with his criticism of Pride Month and LGBTQ+ events, as well as his conservative views on Catholicism and gender roles. While his remarks received mixed reactions, they reflect ongoing debates within sports, politics, and society on issues of faith, social justice, and inclusivity. The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to respond to Butker’s comments, leaving room for further discussion and debate on the intersection of sports and social issues in today’s society. Ultimately, Butker’s speech highlighted the complexities and challenges of navigating these issues in a diverse and evolving world.
