In the wake of Thursday’s controversy in Philadelphia — when groups of fans exchanged bitter words on the Phillies’ annual Gay Day — some Major League Baseball critics are questioning the baseball’s theme nights, which can be ticket booth bonanzas.

During the August 18 Phillies game against NL East rivals the Washington Nationals, members of a gay pride group were vocally berated by attendees associated with Repent America, an anti-homosexual Christian organization. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, one member of Repent America repeatedly displayed a sign reading, “Homosexuality Is a Sin, Christ Can Save You.”

Some Phillies fans were upset and surprised that Repent America was attending the Gay Day game with the team’s approval.

Says former Phillie Doug Glanville, “Why have a gay-themed day at the park when you’re giving their persecutors a very public megaphone, too?”

But Philles vice-president of operations and administration Mike Stiles disagrees. “It’s pretty clear under the Constitution that if you’re going to have a gay community night, people have the right to express another opinion,” he told the Inquirer.

While GLAAD and other such organizations have suggested that the Philadelphia Phillies felt pressured to allow Repent America to attend because they view homosexuals as “a lower caste,” such outreaches are actually mandatory in Major League Baseball, which has become extremely sensitive about perceived discrimination.

When the Los Angeles Dodgers sponsored a “Law Enforcement Day” at Dodger Stadium last season, the Bloods and Crips gangs were also extended invitations. Dodgers officials were so concerned that members of the Bloods would be offended by the team and stadium’s prominent blue coloring that gang members were provided with red Dodgers merchandise, and the stadium was repainted a neutral purple. Concerns such as these have become common for MLB front offices, where the biggest challenges aren’t baseball-related, but simple public relations.

But some decisions seemingly make themselves — when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim announced plans to sponsor an “EMT Day” this season, representatives for AARP requested large ticket blocks as well. Says marketing and promotions manager Jennifer Randall, “That was one of the easiest calls I’ve ever made.”