US soccer star Jaelene Hinkle says she rejected a call-up women’s national team last year because her religious faith prevented her from wearing a jersey commemorating LGBTQ Pride Month.
No explanation was given at the time for her withdrawal, but the 25-year-old defender has now caused a storm after revealing the reason behind her decision on Wednesday.
The devout Christian pulled-out in June 2017 after the US Soccer Federation announced they would be wearing special jerseys to mark LGBTQ Pride Month.
In an with talk show The 700 Club, Hinkle explained: “I just felt so convicted in my spirit that it wasn’t my job to wear this jersey.
“I gave myself three days to just seek and pray and determine what he was asking me to do in this situation… I knew in my spirit I was doing the right thing. I knew I was being obedient.”
Hinkle immediately drew backlash for her comments on social media and her name was booed ahead of The Courage’s National Women’s Soccer League clash at Portland Thorns last night, with some of the crowd waving rainbow flags in support of Pride.
She refused to comment after the game, which saw her side triumph 4-1.
But her team-mate Jessica McDonald said: “She’s high on her faith and in my opinion, I think that’s absolutely incredible. If she’s for God, that’s fine, that’s great.
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“If that’s what keeps her going in her life and keeps positivity in her life, then let that be. Everyone has their opinions about The Bible and God. It’s obviously not in my control what she thinks.
“At the end of the day, I’m still going to be friends with her. We have no problems with each other.
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“She’s never said anything bad about me. She never said anything bad about anybody.
“So, for people to pass on that kind of judgement on another human being, I think it’s sort of uncalled for. She’s got her opinions. That’s fine. Everybody does. It hasn’t affected our team at all.”
Meanwhile her coach Paul Riley added: “”It’s not easy for a young woman. She’s got a good heart, and she battled through the game. It’s not an easy thing for her.
“I give her a lot of credit to be perfectly honest. Whatever her beliefs are, whatever she believes in, that’s her. It doesn’t affect the team. It doesn’t seem to affect anybody on the team.”
Hinkle has not received an international call since her decision.
The USA Women’s squad has several high-profile openly gay players.
None of them have responded to Hinkle’s comments at this point.
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