- Pastor Bobby Leonard made the comments during a sermon at Bible Baptist Tabernacle Church in Monroe, North Carolina
- Anger erupted following the despicable comment, with many calling for him to resign
Anger erupted after a North Carolina pastor said during a sermon that he would exonerate any rapist whose victim wore shorts because “a man is a man.”
Pastor Bobby Leonard was forced to apologize for his comments, posting a message on the billboard outside Bible Baptist Tabernacle Church in Monroe saying, “I was wrong.”
But it was too late. The clip quickly went viral and many called for him to resign.
Christian journalist Julie Roys wrote: ‘Yes, a man is a man, not an animal. And he is responsible for controlling himself. This pastor must resign.”
In the full video, Pastor Leonard is seen addressing the congregation, stretching out his hands as he says, “If you dress like that and you get raped, and I’m on the jury, he’s gone free” because “a man man is’. man’.
Pastor Bobby Leonard made the comments during a sermon at his church, Bible Baptist Tabernacle
He was forced to apologize on the billboard outside the church after anger erupted online and many called for him to resign
He said: ‘You see more women going to those places wearing shorts than women wearing trousers and dresses combined.
‘Try it, if you have time, try it. Let your boy go ahead and try it and pay attention to it, let your girl go out and pay attention to it.
‘I used to say this, I haven’t said this in a long time, you’re ready: I say if you dress like this and you get raped, and I’m on the jury, he’s gone, go free, you not like you, but i’m right.
“I’m right, because a man is a man.”
Anger erupted online when one viewer said: ‘Pull him from the pulpit. This shouldn’t even be a discussion.’
Another said: ‘That’s beyond disgusting. Completely shameful.’
Another added: ‘This man is clearly senilistic and must be removed immediately for his own good and the good of his church.’
Pastor Leonard was forced to apologize and post on a sign outside the church: “I’m sorry for all the pain. I was wrong.’
But many were not convinced.
Pastor Bobby Monroe is a married grandfather and has worked in the church for forty years
The Church, in Monroe, North Carolina
One woman said: ‘A sign on the street is in no way an apology from him. He has to make a video in front of the municipality.’
Another added: “Agreed. A full written or oral statement would be most appropriate here.”
According to his page on the church’s website, Pastor Leonard is a married father of four children with “many grandchildren.”
It adds, “Their constant desire is to see their entire family saved and to see Christ served with all their hearts.”
It says he founded the church more than 40 years ago.
DailyMail.com contacted the Bible Baptist Tabernacle for comment.