GLAAD STATEMENT ON THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE’S REVERSAL ALLOWING PLAYERS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE

(New York, NY – October 24, 2023) Today the National Hockey League (NHL) reversed its decision to ban Pride Tape and other displays of support for LGBTQ people on the ice, stating: “After consultation with the NHL Players Association and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, players will now have the option to voluntarily represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season.”

The reversal follows the league’s much criticized announcement earlier this month banning individual players from expressing visible support for Pride and other social causes. On Saturday, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott became the first player to defy the policy and used the tape on the ice. Arizona will host the NHL’s first Pride Night of the season this Friday, October 27.

GLAAD’s President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis (she/her), issued the following statement in response to the news:

“The NHL has listened to its loyal fans, hardworking team players, and trusted community members and made the decision to reverse the unnecessary and hurtful policy that banned support of Pride and LGBTQ people. The NHL has been a longtime supporter of a number of community causes and inclusion, and this decision is reflective of its values which align with the majority of those who follow hockey. GLAAD data shows that Americans widely seek out brands and employers who take a stand in support of LGBTQ rights; and 70% of non-LGBTQ Americans agree that companies should publicly support and include the LGBTQ community through their corporate practices. Allowing players to express themselves while participating in this sport means encouraging individual choice and free expression, including actions that show support and make hockey more welcoming to all.”

A recent Morning Consult study shows support for sports leagues hosting Pride Nights and nights focused on inclusivity, especially among young people. Almost half of U.S. adults (47%) said they support leagues’ hosting Pride Nights. Three in five Millennials (60%) and 57% of Gen Z respondents said the same.

A separate study shows that younger fans, including Millennials and Gen Z, care about sports leagues’ impact on social justice, yet only 15% of Gen Z believes the sport industry as a whole is doing enough to support social justice.