The Los Angeles Dodgers – a Major League baseball team in the United States – has come under fire from Christians there, after re-accepting a partnership with a group of drag queens that mock nuns. Branded “anti-Catholic,” the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence describe themselves as a non-profit organisation using religious imagery and satire to raise money for charity. Founded in 1979, the group is critical of Christian attitudes to s*x, gender and homos**uality.

In response to the partnership, CatholicVote, one of the largest lay Catholic organisations in the US, is discussing plans to produce a $1million (£801,405) advert calling for people to boycott the sports team. The issue arose after the LA Dodgers announced they would be working with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for an event on the 16th of June. Following outcry from the US Christian community, managers revoked their decision. However, the U-turn prompted opposing backlash from LA pride groups, who criticised the Dodgers for not honouring their commitment to LGBT+ equality.

The sports team then changed their minds again, and are currently planning to allow the performance to go ahead later this month. In a statement, they said: “After much thoughtful feedback from our diverse communities, honest conversations within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and generous discussions with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Los Angeles Dodgers would like to offer our sincerest apologies to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their friends and families,” the organization said. “We have asked the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to take their place on the field at our 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night on June 16. We are pleased to share that they have agreed to receive the gratitude of our collective communities for the lifesaving work that they have done tirelessly for decades.” A number of players have spoken out, including Christian Blake Treinen. In a statement, he said: “I am disappointed to see the Sister’s [sic] of Perpetual Indulgence being honored as heroes at Dodger Stadium.” “Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.  “I understand that playing baseball is a privilege, and not a right. My convictions in Jesus Christ will always come first. Since I have been with the Dodger’s [sic] they have been at the forefront of supporting a wide variety of groups.”