Clayton Kershaw Sparks Debate Wearing Pride Hat with Bible Reference

LOS ANGELES, California — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw made headlines during the team’s annual Pride Night on June 13, 2025, by wearing a hat inscribed with a Bible passage. The hat, featuring the colors of the Pride flag alongside the Dodgers logo, displayed the reference ‘Gen 9:12-16’, calling attention to a biblical promise rather than a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride.

During Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, social media users quickly shared screenshots of Kershaw on the bench wearing the hat. The referenced Bible passage discusses God making a covenant with Noah, using the rainbow as a symbol that signifies the promise of protection and peace.

Kershaw’s choice to wear the hat raised eyebrows, especially considering his previous comments about Pride events. In 2023, he voiced his discontent with the Dodgers’ decision to honor an LGBTQ+ group he felt mocked Christianity. ‘I don’t agree with making fun of other people’s religions,’ Kershaw stated at the time. ‘This is simply a group that was making fun of a religion that I don’t agree with.’

His comments stirred controversy as the Dodgers faced backlash from various community leaders and fans. Kershaw emphasized that his intentions were not to boycott the Pride event but to stand by his faith with respect.

This year marked the Dodgers’ 12th annual Pride Night, aimed at celebrating diversity. Kershaw’s act of wearing a hat with a biblical message generated mixed reactions online. Supporters praised him for reminding others about the original significance of the rainbow, while critics interpreted it as an implicit message against sexual diversity.

The game concluded with the Giants defeating the Dodgers 6-2, although Kershaw did not pitch. He has been a prominent figure in the league, known for both his athletic prowess and vocal Christian faith, which has resonated with fans across different perspectives. Kershaw remains a valuable part of the Dodgers organization, now entering his 18th season as a player.