In a recent sermon at Pure Words Baptist Church in Houston, pastor Duncan Urbanek made despicable comments about the LGBTQ+ community, calling for "every homo that exists" to suffer "a slow, painful death." This is yet another example of right-wing pastors fixating on gay people when ranting about sin and redemption.
Urbanek's rhetoric is not only hateful but dangerous, as it promotes violence against a marginalized community. It is important to note that being LGBTQ+ is not a sin or a choice, and no one deserves to suffer because of their identity. It is alarming to see such vitriol being spewed from a position of authority and influence, and it is a reminder that the fight for equality and acceptance is far from over.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Urbanek has engaged in homophobic rhetoric. He has previously used anti-gay slurs to refer to gay people in his sermons, demonstrating a pattern of hate speech. Additionally, he has made derogatory comments about women who wear pants, suggesting that they are "cross-dressers" and an "abomination."
As members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, it is important to condemn this kind of language and behavior. It is not enough to simply ignore or dismiss these kinds of comments; we must actively push back against hate and bigotry in all its forms. It is also important for the wider community to speak out against such rhetoric, as silence can be interpreted as complicity.
We must continue to advocate for equal rights and protections for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we must remain vigilant against those who seek to spread hate and division. The fight for equality is far from over, but we can make progress by standing together and speaking out against bigotry and intolerance.
