The Seattle Mariners sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for the actions of a Safeco Field employee on Friday night.
A member of the Safeco Field security staff told a couple, on Pride Night, that their display of affection was a violation of the Safeco Field Code of Conduct. That should never have happened. There was no violation of the Code of Conduct and the employee should never have made contact with the couple.
The Mariners have addressed the issue with the employee involved, and with the supervisor who was responsible for training the employee. Both have received disciplinary action. This very issue had been addressed with Mariners game-day supervisors routinely in the past, and emphasized earlier in the day on Friday, but the proper approach was ignored in this case.
Going forward, we are working to clarify the language of the Safeco Field Code of Conduct and training efforts to ensure that our guests will find a respectful atmosphere at Safeco Field that is welcoming to all without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
We have apologized to the couple. We deeply regret that this happened and that the actions of one person may have undone any of the goodwill that might have come from our Pride Night celebration on Friday.
The Mariners value the diversity of our community and our fan base and we pledge that we will continue to do all that we can to ensure that we are inclusive and welcoming.