Human Rights Campaign President Cheryl Jacques issued the
following statement regarding Jimmy Swaggart's recent comments.
"Apologies don't discourage violence, action does. We urge Jimmy
Swaggart to affirmatively preach against hate violence. He should use
his position in the pulpit to speak up for equal treatment for gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. His initial comments
encourage an environment where hate crimes occur. We appreciate his
apology, but it's imperative that he do more."
During a broadcast Sept. 12 regarding marriage equality, Swaggart told
the audience: "I've never seen a man in my life I wanted to marry. And
I'm going to be blunt and plain: If one ever looks at me like that, I'm
going to kill him and tell God he died." Swaggart told The Associated
Press today, "It's a humorous statement that doesn't mean anything. You
can't lie to God – it's ridiculous. If it's an insult, I certainly
didn't think it was, but if they are offended, then I certainly offer an
apology." According to the AP, Swaggart said he has jokingly used the
expression "killing someone and telling God he died" thousands of times,
about all sorts of people.
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