Kansas City Chiefs' Harrison Butker Sparks Controversy with Comments on Women's Roles and LGBTQ Community in Commencement Speech

Nashville, Tennessee, Tennessee United States of America
Butker expressed views on women's roles and the LGBTQ community that sparked criticism
Butker has not backed down, expressing his belief in freedom of religion and the importance of his Catholic faith
He believes women should prioritize being homemakers over careers and labeled LGBTQ pride as a 'deadly sin'
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College
NFL issued a statement distancing itself from Butker's views
Kansas City Chiefs' Harrison Butker Sparks Controversy with Comments on Women's Roles and LGBTQ Community in Commencement Speech

In recent news, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has found himself at the center of controversy after delivering a commencement speech at Benedictine College. The speech, which was recorded and later shared online, sparked widespread criticism due to Butker's views on women's roles and the LGBTQ community.

Butker began his speech by expressing his support for women, acknowledging their achievements and encouraging them to continue striving for success. However, he then went on to express his belief that women should prioritize being homemakers over pursuing careers.

His comments did not stop there. Butker also labeled LGBTQ pride as a 'deadly sin' and criticized the Catholic Church for pushing 'dangerous gender ideologies.' These statements were met with backlash from many, including the NFL, which issued a statement distancing itself from Butker's views.

Despite the criticism, Butker has not backed down. In a recent interview, he defended his comments and expressed his belief in the importance of freedom of religion. He also shared that he values his Catholic faith more than football and has made a conscious decision to express his beliefs publicly.

The controversy surrounding Butker's speech highlights the ongoing debate about gender roles, religious beliefs, and the role of public figures in expressing their opinions. It also raises questions about the limits of free speech and whether it is appropriate for athletes to use their platforms to share controversial views.

Travis Kelce, a teammate of Butker's on the Chiefs, has expressed his support for Butker despite disagreeing with some of his views. Kelce believes that people should live their lives as they choose and not judge others based on their beliefs.

As the debate continues, it is important to remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. However, it is also crucial to approach these discussions with respect, understanding, and a willingness to engage in open dialogue.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Did he truly make these statements or were they taken out of context?
  • Was the recording of Butker's speech authentic?

Sources

85%

  • Unique Points
    • Harrison Butker spoke at Regina Caeli Academy’s Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville, Tennessee on May 25, 2024.
    • Butker expressed beliefs about women receiving degrees and Catholic leaders pushing gender ideologies.
    • He referred to a ‘deadly sin sort of pride’ and took aim at President Joe Biden’s policies including the reversal of Roe v. Wade decision.
    • Many people expressed hate towards Butker for his views, but some also shared their support for his freedom of religion.
    • Butker values his religion more than football and has made a conscious decision to express his beliefs publicly.
  • Accuracy
    • Harrison Butker expressed beliefs about women receiving degrees and Catholic leaders pushing gender ideologies.
    • Butker referred to a 'deadly sin sort of pride' and took aim at President Joe Biden's policies including the reversal of Roe v. Wade decision.
    • Butker labeled LGBTQ pride as a 'deadly sin'
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article reports on Harrison Butker's comments without directly endorsing or condemning them, thus no formal fallacies have been committed. However, there is an example of inflammatory rhetoric and a potential appeal to authority. The author quotes Butker's inflammatory comments about President Joe Biden's policies and his views on gender ideologies without providing counterarguments or context. Additionally, the article mentions that the NFL has distanced itself from Butker's comments, which could be seen as an appeal to authority. No other fallacies were found.
    • Butker made several inflammatory comments in a recent commencement speech, including arguments about gender ideologies and references to Pride month. (See body paragraph 3)
  • Bias (50%)
    The author does not express any bias in the article. However, Harrison Butker's comments at the commencement speech contain religious and ideological bias. The author reports Butker's statements without expressing any agreement or disagreement with them.
    • he argued some Catholic leaders were pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America
      • referred to a deadly sin sort of pride that has a month dedicated to it in an oblique reference to Pride month
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      95%

      • Unique Points
        • Travis Kelce expressed his support for Harrison Butker despite disagreement with some of Butker's views.
        • Travis Kelce believes that people should live their lives as they choose and not judge others based on their beliefs.
      • Accuracy
        • Harrison Butker expressed beliefs about women receiving degrees and Catholic leaders pushing gender ideologies.
      • Deception (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      76%

      • Unique Points
        • Harrison Butker delivered a controversial graduation speech at Benedictine College where he expressed his views on women's roles and the LGBTQ community.
        • Taylor Swift shared an Instagram post after Butker’s speech, which some interpret as a subtle clap back.
        • Butker labeled LGBTQ pride as a ‘deadly sin’ in his speech.
      • Accuracy
        • Harrison Butker expressed his views on women becoming homemakers.
        • Butker labeled LGBTQ pride as a 'deadly sin' in his speech.
      • Deception (30%)
        The author makes selective reporting by only reporting details that support the author's position. The author quotes Butker's speech about women being homemakers and labels it as 'controversial'. However, the article does not provide any context or counterargument to this statement. Additionally, the author implies that Swift's Instagram post is a response to Butker's speech without providing any evidence of this.
        • The author states 'Many think it was a subtle reply, especially since Swift has been a strong supporter of equality and an ally to the LGBTQ community, something that Butker slammed in his speech.'
        • The author quotes Butker saying 'For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career?'
      • Fallacies (85%)
        The author makes an appeal to authority when quoting Harrison Butker's speech and labeling it as 'controversial'. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Butker's views on women and the LGBTQ community as 'diabolical lies' and 'deadly sins'.
        • "I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you."
        • "How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career?"
        • "I'm beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that 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."
        • "I am certain the reporters at the AP could not have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine wouldn't be met with anger but instead met with excitement and pride."
      • Bias (80%)
        The author, Kelly Coffey-Behrens, expresses no bias in the article but does quote Harrison Butker making statements that could be considered biased towards traditional gender roles and against the LGBTQ community. The author does not express any agreement or disagreement with these statements.
        • For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career?
          • I am certain the reporters at the AP could not have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine wouldn’t be met with anger but instead met with excitement and pride.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          71%

          • Unique Points
            • Harrison Butker gave a controversial speech at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville on May 24, 2024.
            • Butker defended his previous commencement speech at Benedictine College where he spoke about women being homemakers and his Catholic faith.
            • His comments about women and abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia and the LGBTQ community’s pride were widely criticized.
            • The NFL issued a statement distancing itself from Butker’s views.
          • Accuracy
            • Harrison Butker defended his previous commencement speech at Benedictine College where he spoke about women being homemakers
            • Butker labeled LGBTQ pride as a ‘deadly sin’ in his speech.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (75%)
            The article contains a few informal fallacies and appeals to authority. The author does not make any formal logical fallacies based on the analysis rules.
            • . Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is doubling down after he came under fire for controversial comments about women being homemakers, abortion and other topics during a May 11 commencement speech.
            • Harrison Butker on Feb. 5, 2024. Photo: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty
            • Butker also spoke about his Catholic faith and referenced Saint Daniel, whose biblical story involves being saved by God after he was thrown into a lion’s den for his commitment to his faith.
            • During Butker’s May 11 speech, he spoke about ‒diabolical lies told to women‒ about abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. He also said that the LGBTQ+ community’s pride was a “deadly sin.”
            • The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.
          • Bias (0%)
            The author does not express any bias towards a specific political party or ideology in the article. However, Harrison Butker's comments about women and the LGBTQ+ community during his commencement speech are biased and discriminatory. The author reports these comments without endorsing them but fails to provide a clear stance against them.
            • 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.
              • Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as a growing support for degenerative cultural values in media all stem from the pervasiveness of disorder.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              81%

              • Unique Points
                • `If it wasn't clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now.` - Harrison Butker
                • `His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion.` - Jonathan Beane, NFL's chief diversity and inclusion officer
                • `At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate, but as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion.` - Harrison Butker
              • Accuracy
                • If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now. - Harrison Butker
                • `His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion.` - Jonathan Beane, NFL’s chief diversity and inclusion officer
                • Butker expressed beliefs about women receiving degrees and Catholic leaders pushing gender ideologies.
                • `There's some things he said I don't necessarily agree with, but I understand the person that he is, and he's trying to do whatever he can to lead people in the right direction.` - Patrick Mahomes
              • Deception (30%)
                The author does not make any direct deceptive statements in this article. However, Harrison Butker's comments in the article can be considered deceptive as they contain selective reporting and emotional manipulation. Butker expresses his views on women's roles and values, implying that being a homemaker is the most important title a woman can hold and that women are most excited about their marriage and children. This is a limited perspective that does not acknowledge the diversity of experiences and choices for women. The author does not challenge Butker on these statements, allowing them to go unchecked. Additionally, Butker's comments about LGBTQ+ Pride Month being 'the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it' can be seen as emotionally manipulative and derogatory.
                • He also referred to 'the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion' and said abortion, in vitro fertilization and surrogacy 'stem from the pervasiveness of disorder'.
                • Butker did not respond to earlier requests for comment from NBC News.
                • The comments appeared to be a response to controversy arising out of a commencement address Butker gave earlier this month at Benedictine College, in which he said being a homemaker was one of the 'most important' titles a woman could hold.
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The article contains a few informal fallacies and an appeal to authority. Harrison Butker's comments on his Catholic faith and personal views are presented as facts without evidence. There is an appeal to authority when the NFL's chief diversity and inclusion officer states that Butker's views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The article also presents a dichotomous depiction by framing Butker's speech as polarizing, with no middle ground.
                • Harrison Butker expresses his personal views on Catholic faith and traditional gender roles without providing evidence or citing sources.
                • The NFL's chief diversity and inclusion officer, Jonathan Beane, is quoted to establish an appeal to authority. His statement does not address the content of Butker's speech but confirms the NFL's commitment to inclusion.
                • The article presents Butker's speech as polarizing without providing context or alternative viewpoints.
              • Bias (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication