In a shocking revelation, a North Carolina pastor has sparked controversy by suggesting that women who wear shorts deserve to be raped. Reverend Bobby Leonard, pastor of Bible Baptist Tabernacle in Monroe, made these disturbing remarks in a resurfaced video from last summer. In the clip, which has recently gone viral, Leonard addresses the congregation about his views on women’s clothing choices.
Leonard begins by pointing out that he sees more women wearing shorts than pants or dresses. He goes on to encourage his audience to conduct an experiment by sending their sons out to “try it” and see how many women they can find wearing shorts. He then drops the bombshell statement, “If you dress like that and you get raped, and I’m on the jury, he’s going to go free. You don’t like it, do you? I’m right though. I’m right because a man’s a man.”
Unsurprisingly, Leonard’s words have caused outrage, with many social media users condemning his remarks as disgraceful, disgusting, and dangerous. Christian investigative journalist Julie Roys shared the video to raise awareness and called for Leonard’s resignation. She expressed her shock at a pastor holding such beliefs and emphasized the harm that messages like this can have on victims and the community.
The backlash against Leonard’s sermon led to protests outside the Bible Baptist Tabernacle. Former church member Ben Rudy expressed his heartbreak over the pastor’s comments, while protest organizer Jason King stressed the importance of integrity and accountability within the church. He firmly stated that such beliefs should not be tolerated.
Leonard eventually displayed a message of apology on the church sign, stating, “I am sorry for any hurt. I was wrong.” While some individuals believe this is a step in the right direction, others argue that it is not enough. They demand a public apology from Leonard in front of the congregation, emphasizing that a sign on the street does not suffice.
Despite the controversy surrounding Leonard’s remarks, not everyone is calling for his resignation. Some members of the congregation believe in forgiveness and hope that he will repent and apologize to both the church and the community. However, many online voices vehemently disagree and argue that he should be removed from the pulpit without hesitation.
As this story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the responsibility of religious leaders and the impact their words can have on society. Leonard’s bio on the church website showcases his long-standing commitment to his faith and family, but it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect his reputation and position within the church.
The Post has reached out to Bible Baptist Tabernacle for comment, but as of now, it is unclear how they will handle the situation. What is certain is that this incident has shed light on an issue that demands attention and discussion within religious communities and society as a whole.
