An Indiana church is drawing national outrage after hosting a “Pray the Gay Away” event where speakers openly called for violence and death against queer people.
Stephen Falco, a preacher at Sure Foundation Baptist Church, used a homophobic slur from the pulpit during a sermon livestreamed on Facebook. Falco said queer people should kill themselves or be murdered, adding,
“There’s nothing good to be proud about being a f*****. You’re so disgusting.”
Another speaker, Wade Rawley, endorsed Falco’s message. Despite widespread backlash, the church has doubled down. Evangelist Justin Zhong issued a public statement defending the speakers, writing,
“I will not apologize for preaching the Word of God. I will not apologize for stating facts. I will not negotiate with terrorists, among whom the LGBTHIV crowd is full of domestic terrorists.”
Faith leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates condemned the statements. The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis told Newsweek,
“Such messages are not only theologically irresponsible but pastorally dangerous.”
As calls grow for accountability, this story has sparked fresh debate over hate speech, religion, and queer safety in America.
