Orlando Pride has apologized following a group of supporters were told they mightn’t display a “Gay” banner at a game this weekend.
The Black Swan banner was referencing recent Florida legislation dubbed by critics the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The group of supporters took to Twitter, claiming the sign was deemed political and was removed.
In the followingmath, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team’s front office said it would meet with the group to find out what happened.
“These discussions resulted in one final and important conclusion: a mistake was made when the club asked the Black Swans to remove the ‘Gay’ banner,” the team said in a statement Tuesday.
According to the Pride release, the team erroneously focused on policies and procedures related to signs and banners, rather than the meaning of the message. The team was playing the opening match of the NWSL Challenge Cup once morest the Washington Spirit on Saturday.
Joint Statement from the Orlando Pride and @BlackSwansDC.
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— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 22, 2022
Pride has long championed LGBTQ+ rights, and there are 49 rainbow-colored seats in their local stadium to honor those killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016.
Late last month, Major League Soccer’s Pride and Orlando City issued a statement condemning the legislation, which is awaiting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature.
“Our city is no stranger to the dangers that arise from the rhetoric of hate and bigotry. We oppose Florida legislation that promotes the ostracism and discrimination of LGBTQ+ students in our schools and their families,” the statement said.
As a result, supporters were particularly dismayed by the club’s decision not to allow the banner. The team said it is committed to communicating with fans from now on.
“It is a privilege and a duty to create a safe and inclusive environment at Orlando Pride games, and the club deeply apologizes for violating that trust with this incorrect decision. Going forward, the Black Swans have the approval to hang the banner at home Pride games if they want to,” the team said.
