Today, the California State Legislature, under the leadership of Democratic Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Democratic Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), honored in the State Capitol the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who openly mocks Catholic beliefs, “including holding an annual ‘Foxy Mary’ and ‘Hunky Jesus’ contest, pole dancing on crosses, and using the saying, ‘Go forth and sin some more!'”

In response, the California Catholic Conference wrote:

We are in sorrow and disbelief that California legislators paid tribute to a prominent member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), a group that openly commits acts of hate, misogyny, and discrimination against Catholics, our women’s religious orders, and against Christianity.

California is usually eager to condemn acts of hate, but today they chose to elevate them. Lawmakers praised a member of a group that actively disrupts our Masses, events and even steals our sacred Eucharist. SIP holds events that ridicule our sacraments with names so crass we will spare repeating them.

California Capitol Correspondent Ashley Zavala reported, “After Republicans criticized Sister Roma’s invitation to participate at the Capitol’s pride ceremonies, she gets a standing ovation and loudest applause on the Assembly floor.”

The chairwoman of the California Republican posted on her Twitter account:

Today, I choose to honor the everlasting impact nuns have had not only on my life, but also on my family. From my 1st grade teacher Sister Christina to my daughter’s principal, Sister Carol Marie, and my dear great aunt Julia — I am thankful for the love, kindness and selflessness these women have shown to so many throughout our communities. 

They helped shape the person I am today.