Yet another NHL player opts out of Pride celebrations
Prior to the Buffalo Sabres' game against the Montreal Canadiens, it has been reported that defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin will not participate in the special Pride Night celebration jersey during warmups along with his team.
According to sources, Lyubushkin has cited new legislation in his home country of Russia as the reason for his decision to opt-out. The legislation, introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, prohibits the promotion or "praise" of anything other than heterosexuality, and public expression of "non-traditional sexual preferences that are not normal." It is concerning that such legislation is being implemented in 2023.
Lyubushkin is not the only Russian player who has refused to participate in Pride celebrations due to political reasons, and it is unfortunate that this issue persists.
Nevertheless, the Buffalo Sabres have managed this delicate public relations situation with tact and sensitivity. They have released a statement expressing their support for both Lyubushkin and the LGBTQ+ community.
The statement reads: "We remain committed to advocating for marginalized groups in hockey, and we hope that our Pride Night, along with similar events across the league, will inspire meaningful discussions and encourage support for the LGBTQIA+ community."
Source: HockeyFeed.com
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