Pat Robertson: Same-Sex Marriage 'Plague' Caused Coronavirus

Social distancing? No, only a rejection of same-sex marriage will save the United States from COVID-19, claims Pat Robertson.

The Christian host of The 700 Club joined a few other conservative wackos in pointing the figure at LGBTQ+ people (and a woman's right to choose) as the cause of the global pandemic.

The 90-year-old televangelist voiced this anti-gay propaganda Monday on his program in response to a viewer, who asked whether marriage equality and abortion were to blame.

"How can God heal our land and forgive the sins when abortion and same-sex marriage are laws and many people are anti-Israel. Doesn't this prevent his healing and forgiveness?" a viewer named John asked on the television program.

In response, Robertson said John was "right."

"The Bible says ... turn from their wicked ways," said Robertson, adding, "We are not turning when we have done terrible things. We have broken the covenant that God made with the mankind. We have violated his covenant."

"We've allowed this terrible plague to spread throughout our society. And it's a small wonder God would hold us guilty," he said. "But the answer is, you confess your sins and forsake them. Then he heals the land. It's not before."

Of course, LGBTQ+ people are not the cause of COVID-19's spread in the U.S. -- unlike, say, a poor federal response to the health crisis. But Robertson is not the only conservative Christian leader who has used queer folks as a scapegoat for the novel coronavirus. Steven Andrew, pastor of the USA Christian Church, railed against the consequences of "LGBT sin." And even President Trump's Cabinet minister, Ralph Drollinger, claimed that the viral outbreak is a manifestation of "the consequential wrath of God."

The diatribe is nothing new for Robertson. The host frequently rants against queer people on his daily program, claiming that they are terrorists, will recruit children, and lead to atomic war, among other fearmongering lies.

The 700 Club airs on the Christian Broadcasting Network, where it was its flagship TV program. Surprisingly, due to a contractual deal, Robertson's vitriol also airs twice daily on Freeform, Disney's youth-oriented network that is known for queer-inclusive entertainment.

On Freeform, the show is preceded by disclaimers, including, "The people at Freeform would like you to know that we did not make this next program. We haven't even seen it," reports Pink News.

RELATED | Right-Wing Pastor Arrested For Continuing Services in Pandemic