Destiny Church Brian Tamaki says 'cry baby gays' will go to hell

  • 19/04/2018

Outspoken Destiny Church self-proclaimed pastor Brian Tamaki has come out in support of Israel Folau, hitting out at "cry baby gays" and agreeing the LGBTQ community could go to hell.

"The Bible says hell is a possibility for anyone who doesn't repent," he wrote on Twitter.

"Jesus didn't apologise for offending people when speaking God's word. If the gay community want to be accepted as a part of society then 'take it on the nose' like the rest of us."

He then used a hashtag he made up, "#crybabygays", to sign off the message.

Earlier this month, the deeply religious Folau told an Instagram user that God's plan for homosexuals was "HELL... unless they repent their sins".

Israel Folau made the homophobic remark in an Instagram photo's comments section.
Israel Folau made the homophobic remark in an Instagram photo's comments section. Photo credit: Instagram / File

His comment caused a massive pushback, with many people condemning Folau for using his high profile to promote hate speech.

All Black halfback TJ Perenara was one of the many slamming Folau's comments.

"You don't need to look far to know that young Maori/PI are overrepresented in youth suicide statistics and, as I understand it, even more so when you look to those who are part of the Rainbow community," Perenara wrote.

"To anyone, young Maori/Pasifika people especially, who may be struggling with their identity - please know that it is OK to be you.

"You are perfect as you are. Do not let these comments keep you from being yourself. Polynesia has been sexually diverse since forever."

Blues coach Tana Umaga said he's confident his players are aware of their responsibilities on social media.

"We're all about inclusiveness and you've just got to make sure if you're going to put something out there, does it show you in a good light? Is it what you believe and how does that influence others and does it put the club in a good light?"

Mr Tamaki posted a photo to Twitter of himself with the Folau couple after the backlash, taken after they shared a coffee.

"I remember having coffee with Israel [and] Maria… they were very encouraging to me at this time because of my stand for Christ… often in hostile circumstances," he wrote.

Destiny Church Brian Tamaki says 'cry baby gays' will go to hell
Photo credit: Twitter / Brian Tamaki

Not one of the comments on Mr Tamaki's most recent post was in his favour, many referring to his church as a cult.

His wife, Hannah Tamaki, tried to defend his position by saying they have "gay family and friends".

"They know we love them, they aren't Christian, and they never contact us complaining," she wrote.

"They actually love us even though we live a differently to them… and them us... live your conviction."

Last year Mr Tamaki said he's "not a homophobic at all" but has "beliefs and opinions" which he holds strongly as a minister.

"But we've never been homophobic or hated anyone of a different sexual orientation.

"We're all inclusive."

During a 2016 sermon Mr Tamaki claimed gays and lesbians were the cause of the Kaikoura earthquake.

"No other sin in the whole of the bible has any connection to earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions, but sexual perversions alone," he later said in a statement.

Newshub.