Both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have weighed in and slammed the homophobic comments of Fr Seán Sheehy.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has reacted strongly to the disturbing comments of an ultra-Catholic priest in Kerry who said gay politicians like the Tánaiste deserve to go to hell when they die.
And Taoiseach Micheál Martin has agreed with him.
Read More : Bryan Dobson in tense clash with Kerry priest as Ministers call for apology
Mr Varadkar heard about Fr Sheehy’s comments in Singapore where he is on a trade mission.
He quoted Pope Francis and the Bible in his response and said that he does not agree that gay people go to hell.
His official spokesman told political reporters at the weekly press briefing in Dublin: “The Tánaiste profoundly disagrees with Fr Sheehy’s views, however he respects his right to express his religious beliefs freely.
“The Tánaiste does not believe that gay people will go to hell for being who they are, nor does he believe that any man or woman can make such a judgment.
“As Pope Francis said, ‘who are we to judge.’
“As the Bible says, ‘judge not lest you be judged.
“We are all God’s children.’”
The Taoiseach’s official spokesman at the same briefing said that his boss “would agree with the comments” of the Tánaiste.
He added: “I don’t think he would agree with any of the views of Fr Sheehy.”
Fr Sheehy caused major controversy last weekend when he delivered a sermon suggesting there was "rampant sin" around and made damning remarks about the LGBT community and abortion.
"You rarely hear about sin but it’s rampant. It’s rampant. We see it for example in the legislation.
"We see it in the promotion of abortion, we see it and in the example of this lunatic approach of transgenderism and in the promotion of sex between two men and two women.
“That is sinful. That is a mortal sin.”
It is believed that over 30 people walked out of the Mass upon hearing the sermon, videos of which have since gone viral on social media.
The priest has since doubled down on the remarks with a string of media appearances including a Radio Kerry interview where he claimed gay politicians would go to hell.
When asked by Kerry Today host Jerry O’Sullivan: “Do you think that our politicians, the ones who legislate for things like same sex marriage - some of them are openly gay, the soon to be Taoiseach again Leo Varadkar - do you think they are going to hell?,” he said: “Absolutely, if they don’t repent on sin and seek forgiveness”.
“Because what they’re doing is contrary to the law of nature and secondly, and more importantly, it’s contrary to the law of God. When you go against God, who is the author of life, you actually go against life itself.”
His remarks have now been widely criticised and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys this morning condemned the comments as “unacceptable” and “hurtful” and called for the priest to apologise.
Speaking at the announcement of funding for Men’s Sheds in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon, Minister Humphreys said the comments were “absolutely unacceptable”.
“I'm disappointed to hear that a priest would make comments like that,” she said.
“I understand the Bishop has apologised and said that there shouldn't have been made.
“I think that those comments are absolutely wrong. “He should not have said that. They're very hurtful comments.
“He should really come out and apologise. They’re wrong. He shouldn't have said those things.”
When asked if she would class the comments as hate speech, Minister Humphreys said that as legislation on the subject is currently being progressed, she would not comment on whether she thought it was or was not.
She also said that it was “a matter for the church” whether or not Fr Sheehy is sanctioned.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney described Fr Sheehy's comments as "disgraceful".
"They are a reflection on the person that made those comments rather than a reflection on anything else," he said.
"They should be withdrawn and there should be an apology."
READ NEXT:
- 'Do the right thing' - Family of boy injured in Cork hit and run make heartfelt plea to driver involved
- Ireland weather LIVE updates as Met Eireann issue rare double warning amid brutal storm forecast
- Daughter of man being remembered in Listowel mass hits out at 'hateful' priest after sermon rant
- Experts warn against viral TikTok trend that could cost you up to a €5,000 fine
- Ryanair travel warning for Irish passengers flying in November to avoid little-known fine
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
