Dave Bautista calls bishop a ‘judgmental hypocrite’ for telling Catholics to boycott Pride Month

1

Dave Bautista called out an American bishop who told Catholic devotees not to support the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month this June.

On June 1, Rhode Island bishop Thomas Tobin tweeted, “A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride Month’ events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.”

The “Guardians of the Galaxy” star criticized the statement on Monday, June 3, by sharing his mom’s acts of kindness as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

“My mom’s a lesbian. I think I turned out ok,” he said. “And the activities she chooses is to help the homeless and people suffering from mental illness. I admit I’m not perfect but at least I was never a judgmental hypocrite! I’m sure you don’t speak for most Catholics. Have a nice day.”

Bautista ended his tweet a middle-finger emoji.

Tobin said in a statement to NBC News on Monday that he regretted “that my comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community.”

Despite the backlash, his tweet has not been deleted. He said, “As a Catholic Bishop, however, my obligation before God is to lead the faithful entrusted to my care and to teach the faith, clearly and compassionately, even on very difficult and sensitive issues.”

June was chosen to celebrate Pride Month in remembrance of the Stonewall riots, which were protests against a police raid on the gay bar Stonewall Inn in New York in June 1969.  Niña V. Guno /ra

RELATED STORIES:

Dave Bautista ‘proud son of a lesbian’

Prince Harry, Meghan show support for LGBTQ+ community on Pride Month: ‘Love is love’

LOOK: Rainbow turban of bisexual Sikh man inspires for Pride month

Read more...