The NFL has publically condemned the remarks made by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a graduation speech at Benedictine College. His speech was delivered last Saturday in Atchinson, Kansas, and has drawn widespread criticism for its sexist and anti-LBGTQ statements.
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In his address, Butker openly criticized what he described as “dangerous gender ideologies” and various social issues. He used the remarks to address female graduates and said their primary role should be homemaker, regardless of their professional achievements. For the male graduates, Butker advocates for unabashed masculinity and resistance against what he believes is a culture weakening of men. The speech also included a quote from Taylor Swift to emphasize his points.
Jonathan Beane, senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusive officer, responded to the situation and stressed that Butker’s views do not reflect the league’s values. “The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger,” Beane stated. Former county commissioner Justice Hall said Kansas City is a welcoming community for LBGTQ+ members, as reported by Page Six.
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Social media users also noted that Butker’s mother, Elizabeth Keller Butker, is an accomplished physicist and believed his speech contradicted some aspects of his life. There was also criticism from Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, who said his speech was “inaccurate, ill-informed and woefully out of step with Americans about Pride, LBGTQ people, and women.”
The kicker also mentioned his wife’s “position” as homemaker during his 20-minute speech:
“Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”
