JD Vance falsely brands the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence ‘devil-worshipping’ at Kansas rally
JD Vance. (Getty Images)
US vice president JD Vance has drawn criticism after a video of his remarks showed him falsely describing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as “devil-worshipping” while campaigning in Kansas.
Vance made the comments at a MAGA Inc.-organised rally at Webco Manufacturing in Olathe, Kansas, held to support Republican US Senator Roger Marshall.
During the speech, Vance attacked Reverend Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor and Democrat running against Marshall in November, after Hamilton’s church, Resurrection, was among dozens of sponsors of Kansas City PrideFest. Vance also appeared to confuse the Sisters’ name, claiming Hamilton “proudly supported a drag group called Our Ladies of Perpetual Indulgence,” even though no organisation by that name exists.
Vance went on to call the Sisters “the devil-worshipping group that was saying special blessings before LA Dodgers games” and an “anti-Christian hate group”. The Sisters’ stated mission includes community service, human rights advocacy, spiritual outreach, and combating shame and bigotry through humour.
What Vance got wrong
The Los Angeles Dodgers did not invite the Sisters to bless baseball games. Instead, the team honoured the Los Angeles chapter with a Community Hero Award before its June 16 2023, Pride Night game, recognising its charitable work.
Sister Roma disputed Vance’s characterisation in a statement, saying: “If he was talking about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, our name isn’t the only thing the vice president got wrong.” Roma continued, “I do not recognize or accept his inflammatory misrepresentation of who we are and what we do. The Sisters are a global human rights fundraising organization. We do not mock nuns, we are nuns.”
Who the Sisters are
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, the Sisters are known for satirical religious drag, public service, and fundraising for LGBTQ+ and community causes. They have long been associated with HIV/AIDS education, safer-sex messaging, and stigma reduction during the crisis years. In 2023, Sister Roma joined protests in San Francisco against anti-LGBTQ+ laws, saying: “I am here because drag is not a crime, and trans rights are human rights.”
Hamilton’s campaign response cited Resurrection’s 2025 work, saying it fed more than 45,000 people, distributed nearly 60,000 children’s books, supported foster families, and built affordable housing.
