Bishop faces backlash after tweet about Pride Month
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island's Roman Catholic bishop is facing a backlash after tweeting that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ Pride Month events.
Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin tweeted Saturday that Pride Month events in June "promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals." He also wrote the events "are especially harmful for children."
Actress Mia Farrow was among 60,000 people who replied on Twitter, calling the bishop's comments "pure ignorance & bigotry." Farrow and many others who criticized the tweet also referred to the sex abuse of children by clergy.
The LGBTQ group Rhode Island Pride planned a rally in Providence Sunday evening.
Tobin's tweet received more than 13,000 likes and nearly 4,000 retweets.
Messages seeking comment were left with diocesan officials Sunday.