Anti-LGBT pastor running for Massachusetts gov. because 'homosexuality is condemned by God'

A Christian evangelical pastor who has been sued for his connection to Uganda's so-called “kill the gays” bill and taken credit for Russia's law against homosexual "propaganda" announced that he was running for governor of Massachusetts.

In a statement earlier this week, Scott Lively said that prayer had convinced him to make a bid for Massachusetts governor.

"The people of this state need a candidate who can clearly and unapologetically articulate Biblical values without fear or compromise," Lively remarked. "They need a candidate who will tell the simple truth that abortion is murder, and homosexuality is condemned by God (but that Jesus forgives and heals those who repent). That parents and not the state have authority over their children, because government is our servant and not our master. That socialism is slavery and humanism breeds corruption."

"But mostly they need a leader who will remind the people that Massachusetts was founded upon Jesus Christ and the Bible and that our future security and prosperity depend on restoring our trust in Him."

The pastor, whose Abiding Truth Ministries has been deemed a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, went on to blame both Democrats and Republicans for legalizing same sex marriage, "promoting homosexuality to children in the public schools" and allowing "child-killing through abortion."

"They both embrace and champion the culture of death," he noted. "With these two liberal parties splitting the liberal vote, a true conservative independent could win the governorship."

But Lively said he knew that winning was unlikely without some divine intervention.

"[I]t would take a miracle from God for Scott Lively to become Governor of Massachusetts — and I wouldn’t want it any other way," the pastor insisted.

In August, a federal judge ruled that Lively must stand trial for crimes against humanity for his role in inciting the persecution of LGBT people in Uganda.

[Photo credit: Current/screen grab]

(h/t: Edge Boston via Religion Clause)