The controversy surrounding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s commencement address continues to intensify, with multiple petitions now calling for his dismissal.
During his speech to graduating students at Benedictine College in Kansas last weekend, Butker addressed several topics popular among Christian conservatives, including Pride month, women’s roles, abortion, and in vitro fertilization. He criticized “dangerous gender ideologies” associated with Pride month, compared the celebration to “deadly sins,” called President Joe Biden “delusional,” and most contentiously, stated that women’s “most important title” should be that of “homemaker.”
“Butker claimed, “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. 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 that her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. All of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker,” he added, holding back tears.
Butker’s remarks have sparked significant backlash, particularly from liberal circles. Following the viral spread of his speech, several Change.org petitions emerged, demanding that the Chiefs cut ties with him. The leading petition has garnered over 130,000 signatures at the time of writing.
“The harmful remarks made by Harrison Butker, kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, during his commencement address at Benedictine College were unacceptable,” reads the petition. “His comments were sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist. These dehumanizing remarks against LGBTQ+ individuals, attacks on abortion rights, and racial discrimination perpetuate division and undermine human rights.”
The petition further calls for “accountability from our sports figures who should be role models promoting respect for all people regardless of their race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.”
Thank you for reading. This summary highlights the controversy and the resulting petitions against Harrison Butker.
