NHL Team Cancels Their Pride Night Due to Serious Safety Concerns

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Skyler Walker
March 23, 2023 (7:14)

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The planned Pride Night celebration of the Chicago Blackhawks was cancelled due to backlash from the Russian government over their anti-LGBTQ "propaganda" laws. The team had intended to wear rainbow jerseys during warmups and donate the proceeds from their auction to LGBTQ+ organizations. However, safety concerns over the new Russian law banning "gay propaganda" led the team to reverse its decision not to wear the jerseys, according to sources. The decision was made by the organization and not the players, as three players of Russian heritage are part of the team.

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.

The Blackhawks received criticism from both fans and LGBTQ+ advocates for their decision, which was viewed as a setback for inclusivity and a failure to support marginalized communities. However, the team defended their decision, citing their concern for the safety of players, staff, and fans.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces in the sports world. Despite progress in recent years, with more athletes and teams openly supporting LGBTQ+ rights, there are still significant obstacles to overcome.