Pastor claims advice to punch gay kids was a joke

(FayObserver): A Fayetteville pastor says he was joking when he told parents in a sermon Sunday to hit children who show signs of being gay. Sean Harris, pastor of Berean Baptist Church on Glensford Drive, said he does not advocate hitting children and wishes he could take back a remark encouraging fathers to punch boys who act effeminately. But he defended his belief in the need to reinforce traditional gender roles in children. "If I had to say it again, I would say it differently, no doubt," Harris said Tuesday. "Those weren't planned words, but what I do stand by is that the word of God makes it clear that effeminate behavior is ungodly. I'm not going to compromise on that."

Harris was preaching about marriage ahead of next week's vote on an amendment to the N.C. Constitution that would make marriage between a man and a woman the only legally recognized domestic union in the state. The amendment has drawn national attention in recent weeks.

Go to article and hear pastor’s sermon here