NFL Star Harrison Butker Slammed for Anti-LGBTQIA+ Comments, 85,000 Demand His Removal
Kansas City Chiefs kicker, the hilariously named Harrison Butker is under fire after making controversial comments about the LGBTQIA+ community and women during a commencement speech at Catholic Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, over the weekend. Butker, who plays alongside Travis Kelce, boyfriend of pop star Taylor Swift, labeled Pride Month “sinful” and suggested that most women would be happiest as wives and mothers.
In response to Butker’s remarks, a petition on change.org demanding his removal from the team has gathered more than 85,000 signatures as of Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The petition states, “These dehumanising remarks against LGBTQIA+ individuals, attacks on abortion rights and racial discrimination perpetuate division and undermine human rights. It is unacceptable for such a public figure to use their platform to foster harm rather than unity.”
The NFL responded, saying Butker’s views don’t represent the league. They emphasised their commitment to inclusion. Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s diversity and inclusion officer, said, “The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
Justice Horn, former chairman of the Kansas City LGBTQIA+ Commission, said Butker doesn’t represent the city’s values of welcoming and embracing the LGBTQIA+ community. GLAAD’s president, Sarah Kate Ellis, called Butker’s comments “inaccurate, ill-informed and woefully out of step with Americans”.
Butker hasn’t commented on the backlash yet. The petition continues to gain signatures from those who believe his remarks were unacceptable.
