Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has condemned remarks by a Kerry priest suggesting that Tánaiste Leo Varadkar would “go to hell” for being gay.
She branded the comments “unacceptable” and “hurtful” and called for the priest to apologise.
It comes as Fr Seán Sheehy doubled down on controversial remarks he made during a Mass in recent days.
Read More: Bryan Dobson in tense clash with Kerry priest as Ministers call for apology
Fr Sheehy made remarks referring to transgender people, homosexuality and abortion as “sin” during a sermon in Listowel, Co Kerry.
The Bishop of Kerry condemned the comments and said that Fr Sheehy is not allowed to say Mass.
However, the priest has now doubled down on his comments.
In an interview with Radio Kerry on Wednesday morning, he was asked if believed that “openly gay” politicians like Mr Varadkar are going to hell”.
The priest said: “Absolutely, if they don’t repent on sin and seek forgiveness.
“Because what they’re doing is contrary to the law of nature.
“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.”
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.
The Irish Mirror has contacted Mr Varadkar’s spokesperson for comment. However, the Tánaiste is currently overseas in Singapore on a trade mission.
The remarks from Fr Sheehy have been widely condemned in recent days.
Videos shared on social media from the sermon at St Mary's Church show the priest telling the congregation: "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.”
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."
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