Fiery Pastor Who Infamously Prayed for Obama's Death Is Back: 'The Gov't Should Use the Death Penalty on...Homosexuals

Pastor Steven L. Anderson of Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona, has drawn intense controversy before. And his latest comments during an interview on FM 104, an Irish radio station, are already making waves. Anderson, who cites the Bible as his source of corroboration, believes that homosexuals should be given the death penalty -- a sentiment he openly touted during the exchange.

When asked where he stands on the issue of homosexuality, the pastor was overwhelmingly and shockingly clear.

Pastor Steven L. Anderson (Photo Credit: YouTube)

"Well, the Bible teaches that, actually, gays should be executed," Anderson proclaimed. "Because it actually says in Leviticus 20:13 that if a man also lie with mankind as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood should be upon them."

The host, clearly attempting to clarify what, exactly, the pastor was saying, asked, "But, obviously, you don't personally believe that do you?"

From there, the preacher doubled down.

"Now, obviously I believe every word of the Bible, including that," he said. "Now, I’m not saying that I would ever kill anyone, because I never would, but I believe that the government should use the death penalty on murderers, rapists, homosexuals, and…that’s what the Bible teaches, very clearly."

So while he wouldn't personally kill gay individuals (or anyone for that matter), he seems to believe that the government should do so. Anderson continued, also citing Romans, Chapter 1 with advocating this same punishment.

"I read the words of the Bible and you asked me if I believed it," he added. "Well, I wouldn't be a Christian pastor worth my salt if I didn't believe the Bible."

Watch this portion of the interview on Irish Radio, below (at the 51:00 mark -- warning: language):

Anderson has made other controversial comments about homosexuals as well. And in 2009, he delivered a sermon called, "Why I Hate President Obama" -- a lecture during which he admitted praying for the commander-in-chief's death.

"I hope that God strikes Barack Obama with brain cancer so he can die like Ted Kennedy and I hope it happens today," he said in a 2009 interview with KSAZ-TV.

(H/T: The Friendly Atheist)