Advertisement

The Last Word With Matt Cooper

Priest Criticised For Comparing Gay People To Zombies

A priest has been strongly criticised for comparing gay people to zombies. Brother Tom Forde made th...
Sarah Stacey
Sarah Stacey

6:33 PM - 13 Jun 2019



The Last Word With Matt Cooper

Priest Criticised For Comparing Gay People To Zombies

Sarah Stacey
Sarah Stacey

6:33 PM - 13 Jun 2019

Listen to this episode



A priest has been strongly criticised for comparing gay people to zombies.

Brother Tom Forde made the comments in a sermon at the Capuchin Friary in Kilkenny last weekend.

He spoke about "self-destructive and irrational behaviour", which he defined as "the abuse of drugs and alcohol, adultery, fornication and homosexuality, as well as in the acceptance of abortion and contraception and in the move to legalise euthanasia".

"We sense that many of those around us are physically alive but spiritually dead, morally rotten or at least infected."

He then made reference to the TV programme The Walking Dead and zombies, saying: "Once you are bitten you are infected and there is no hope. The only way to deal with the monsters is to stab or shoot them in the brain."

The Capuchin Order has expressed regret over the priest's comments.

Speaking on The Last Word, Colm O'Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International, described the comments as "dehumanising".

"That kind of hateful, deeply homophobic language emboldens those who would act violently towards LGBT people."

"Homophobia is still an issue in this country, and it's perhaps the starkest possible response to those who have been saying, 'Why do we still have Pride?'"

"We still have Pride because of this kind of hate, and we're going to need it for some time to come."

Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.


Read more about

Colm O’Gorman Gay People Lgbt Priest Zombies

Related Podcasts

Gift Grub: What's Next For Leo...

00:05:07

Gift Grub: What's Next For Leo Varadkar?

The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show

00:05:07


A Colleague Told Me I Smell Ca...

00:07:44

A Colleague Told Me I Smell Can I Report Her For Bullying?

Ray Foley

00:07:44


Culture Club: Guy Garvey

00:33:49

Culture Club: Guy Garvey

The Last Word Culture Club

00:33:49


Culture Club: Guy Garvey

00:33:49

Culture Club: Guy Garvey

The Last Word With Matt Cooper

00:33:49