By Rachael Kennedy, news reporter
A bishop in the US has received widespread criticism after urging Catholics to not support LGBT events because they are "especially harmful for children".
Thomas Tobin, a Roman Catholic bishop from Rhode Island, made the comments in a tweet on Saturday, where he specifically told his Catholic followers not "support or attend" LGBT events that were scheduled to mark Pride this month.
In his tweet, he wrote: "They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals."
"They are especially harmful for children," he concluded.
Bishop Tobin has since defended the comments, saying it was his obligation to teach the faith "clearly and compassionately, even on very difficult and sensitive issues".
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A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ “Pride Month” events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.
— Bishop Thomas Tobin (@ThomasJTobin1) June 1, 2019
It came after his tweet went viral with 60,000 replies in just over 24 hours.
A number of responses from celebrities were among the replies, including Golden Globe-winning Mia Farrow, who said the comments were evidence of "pure ignorance and bigotry".
Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Arquette said Mr Tobin's "poisonous thinking" was exactly what led to LGBT children being abandoned.
Stephen Fry wrote: "Wow. Quite simply wow."
Shame on you. LGBT kids are thrown out on the streets and abandoned because of poisonous thinking like yours.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) June 2, 2019
Meanwhile, many social media users pointed to sexual abuse scandals involving children in the church while referring to the bishop saying LGBT events were "harmful for children".
The Pope has in the past voRead More – Source
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