Dave Bautista has no problem standing up for the LGBTQ community in the face of bigotry from a leader of his religion.
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Over the weekend Catholic bishop Thomas Tobin of Rhode Island tweeted a call for his religious followers to boycott Pride Month activities, saying they are “contrary to Catholic faith and morals” and “harmful for children.”
Bautista, a Catholic himself, responded to Tobin’s tweet, talking about his mother who is a lesbian, saying the bishop does not “speak for most Catholics.”
Following Bautista’s tweet, as well as other backlash on social media, Tobin released a statement, telling NBC News, “My comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community.”
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“That certainly was not my intention, but I understand why a good number of individuals have taken offence,” he continued. “As a Catholic Bishop, however, my obligation before God is to lead the faithful entrusted to my care and to teach the faith, clearly and compassionately, even on very difficult and sensitive issues.”