(Ezekiel Loseke, Headline USA) James Reimer, the goalie for the San Jose Sharks, is refusing to don the gay pride jersey his team is wearing for warmups, citing his personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Reimer released a statement on his decision via the Shark’s official Twitter account.
“For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian — not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily,” he wrote. “I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and follow him.”
“I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness.”
Reimer reported that his aforementioned faith prevented him from wearing the rainbow jersey his team chose to wear for pride night.
“In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life,” he said.
“I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed on all aspects of the game of hockey.”
Reimer, as is indicated by his use of the team’s Twitter account, was supported by the Sharks.
“[The Sharks said they] acknowledge and accept the rights of individuals to express themselves, including how or whether they choose to express their beliefs, regardless of the cause or topic,” according to Breitbart News.
Reimer joins a growing number of NHL players and organizations refusing to don the homosexual jersey.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to don his organization’s pride jersey in January.
The New York Islanders and The New York Rangers also refused to don the rainbow pride jerseys in February.
In addition, the entire Minnesota Wild team refused to wear the rainbow jerseys, according to Breitbart News.
