A Baptist pastor in California sparked outrage by describing as "excellent" the slaughter in a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 dead and 53 wounded.
"Today, people ask, are not you sad about the death of 50 Sodomites?" He told his congregation the pastor Roger Jimenez, of the Baptist Church of Truth, in Sacremento, hours after slaughter Club Press.
"The problem is the following," he continued. "It's like asking, are you happy for the death of 50 pedophiles?"
"Ehh, no, I think it's great. I think it helps society. You know, I think Orlando, Florida, will be a little safer tonight."
His comments, published on the YouTube channel of the church before being eliminated, were denounced by members of the LGBT community as well as local officials.
"The hateful comments made by a pastor in Sacramento do not reflect Christian values and have no place in our society," said the Californian city mayor, Kevin Johnson.
Dave Garcia, director of policy at the LGBT downtown Los Angeles, told AFP he was not surprised by the comments, often listening to qualify for this community.
"Although these individuals did not fire killed members of the community, weapons loaded with bullets of hate," Garcia said.
Meanwhile, Jimenez insisted that his statements were taken out of context and that the outrage was an attack on freedom of expression and religion.
The pastor said he was simply quoting the Bible during his sermon and his comments reflect the views of many in the United States.