Story perspectives

MLB Warns Giants Pitchers Over Bible Verses on Pride Hats

6/19/2026

Summary

Giants Pitchers Warned

MLB issued non-disciplinary warnings to Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker for writing Bible verses on Pride hats.
MLB said the warnings enforce a rule that bans any writing on uniforms.
Vice President JD Vance posted on X that “Trump won,” prompting Senator Scott Wiener to label the pitchers’ actions bigotry.
The San Francisco Giants apologized for the hurt caused and reaffirmed their commitment to inclusion.

Summary

DOJ Refers MLB

DOJ referred MLB to EEOC on June 18, alleging a Title VII violation over the hat warning.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway demanded an MLB response by June 25, 2026 confirming no discipline for religious objections.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said he will subpoena Commissioner Manfred and examine MLB’s antitrust exemption.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon warned employers must reasonably accommodate religious practices under federal law.

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court’s 1990 *Employment Division v. Smith* decision, Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on November 16 1993, approved by a 97-3 Senate vote and unanimous House support, and signed by President Bill Clinton. The law, later limited to federal actions by the 1997 *City of Boerne* ruling, now guides DOJ EEOC referrals and MLB’s non-disciplinary warnings to pitchers.

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Giants Pitchers Warned

MLB issued non-disciplinary warnings to Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker for writing Bible verses on Pride hats.
MLB said the warnings enforce a rule that bans any writing on uniforms.
Vice President JD Vance posted on X that “Trump won,” prompting Senator Scott Wiener to label the pitchers’ actions bigotry.
The San Francisco Giants apologized for the hurt caused and reaffirmed their commitment to inclusion.

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