An American politician likened Ireland’s pro-gay marriage voters to “snakes” on Friday, whilst calling for St. Patrick to return and drive the "demonic spirits" out of the country. Republican Gordon Klingenschmitt, a former US Navy chaplain who is currently a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, reacted to Ireland’s historic gay marriage referendum by admonishing the country's citizens for “rejecting Jesus Christ.”
"There was a time when it was said that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland," said Klingenschmitt on his television show, "and now I'm concerned that the snakes have returned to Ireland. And when I say snakes, I'm not talking about physical snakes, I'm talking about the demonic spirits inside of some of the people you see parading their sin in pride around the country, rejecting not just the Catholic Church but rejecting Jesus Christ himself."
He continued: "Jesus Christ defined marriage between one man and one woman and maybe it's time for another St. Patrick to go back into Ireland and preach the good news that Jesus can make you free from sin and drive out the snakes once again."
A couple celebrate in Dublin Castle Square as the result of the referendum is relayed on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland
Despite opposition from the Roman Catholic Church, Ireland overwhelmingly voted to approve same-sex marriage earlier this month, becoming the first country to do so by popular vote. Ballots showed 62 percent of citizens were in favour of legalising same-sex marriage, and 38 percent were opposed. The vote boasted a turnout of around 60 percent.
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