CNN
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Citing his Christian religion, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer mentioned he selected to not put on a pregame warmup jersey in assist of the LGBTQIA+ group on Saturday, as a part of the workforce’s weeklong “Pleasure Night time” festivities.
“For all 13 years of my NHL profession, I’ve been a Christian – not simply in title, however in how I select to dwell my life day by day,” Reimer mentioned in a press release previous to Saturday’s 4-1 house loss to the New York Islanders.
“I’ve a private religion in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to like everybody and observe him.
“I’ve no hate in my coronary heart for anybody, and I’ve at all times strived to deal with everybody that I encounter with respect and kindness.
“On this particular occasion, I’m selecting to not endorse one thing that’s counter to my private convictions that are primarily based on the bible, the best authority in my life.
“I strongly imagine that each particular person has worth and value, and the LGBTQIA+ group, like all others, ought to be welcomed in all facets of the sport of hockey.”
Sharks gamers wore the Pleasure-themed jerseys designed by San Jose artist Houyee Chow, who describes herself on her Instagram account as a queer artist and educator.
The jersey has a Pleasure crest and a “Love Wins” patch on them and San Jose mentioned it’s “extraordinarily proud to host” the “Pleasure Night time” festivities in assist of the LGBTQIA+ group, including that its devoted to “an inclusive, welcoming, and secure setting for all visitors.”
“As we promote these requirements, we additionally acknowledge and settle for the rights of people to precise themselves, together with how or whether or not they select to precise their beliefs, whatever the trigger or subject,” the Sharks mentioned in a press release previous to the sport.
“As a corporation, we won’t waver in our assist of the LGBTQIA+ group and proceed to encourage others to interact in lively allyship.”
Reimer didn’t play within the Sharks’ loss.
‘Individuals in excessive locations’
The 35-year-old Reimer, who’s in his second season with San Jose and will probably be a free agent after the season, was requested by a reporter previous to the sport if he’s involved that his social stance might forestall one other workforce from signing him within the offseason.
“I’d be mendacity if I mentioned that wasn’t one thing that crossed my thoughts,” Reimer mentioned. “This isn’t a stance that I used to be seeking to make.
“I noticed this taking place and I began conversations virtually a 12 months in the past with folks in excessive locations, not as a result of I’m ashamed of my religion however due to sure penalties that they may have for me or different those that really feel this manner.
“These conversations occurred and right here I’m standing up for what I imagine in. I’m positive there’s folks in administration or possession that received’t look favorably on this.
“On the similar time, I hope that there’s one other handful of individuals in administration or possession that respect me for standing up for what I imagine in and that’s an enormous a part of who I’m.”
After the sport, the workforce thanked followers for the celebration.
“We all know that one group can’t make all of the modifications we search to make hockey (and the world) extra welcoming to all, however it’s a begin. With all of you, we will make an influence.”
Reimer has performed in 35 video games this season, beginning 34 of them. He’s 10-17-7 with a 3.26 goals-against common and .895 save proportion.
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