I guess the problem, in my opinion, is that the NHL is actually helping make things worse in terms of a normative message. That's supposed to be the purpose of Pride nights and players showing solidarity.

But then a small, fringe, but very loud minority starts in with messages of hate, and the NHL caves, coming out with a draconian policy that not only deprives players of their right to show solidarity, but strengthens the haters, teaches them they were right to hate queer people, teaches them that expressing their hatred is effective in getting what they want.