A group of American baseball players have declined to wear customized uniforms for the annual LGBT pride night, stating the celebration conflicts with their Christian faith.
The Tampa Bay Rays held an LGBT pride night on Saturday during the team's home game against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field.
It is one of several events hosted by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams during Pride Month.
Pitchers Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson were among those who did not participate in wearing the LGBT logo.
Adam, chosen by team officials to speak for the players who opted out, said it was primarily a matter of religious beliefs and not wanting to encourage the "behaviour" of those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times Adam said: "A lot of it comes down to faith, to like a faith-based decision.
"It's not judgmental. It's not looking down.
"It's just what we believe the lifestyle he's encouraged us to live, for our good, not to withhold.
"But again, we love these men and women, we care about them, and we want them to feel safe and welcome here."
On the Tampa Pride website $5 (£3.97) from every $10 (£7.94) ticket sale on Saturday's game, was donated to the LGBT advocacy organisation.