Ireland's Gay Marriage Voters Likened To 'Snakes' By American Politician Gordon Klingenschmitt

US Politician Calls Ireland's Gay Marriage Voters 'Snakes'
|

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."

Open Image Modal

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.

Watch the video above.

Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(01 of14)
Open Image Modal
Supporters in favour of same-sex marriage pose for a photograph as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(02 of14)
Open Image Modal
A lesbian couple link arms around their waists as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(03 of14)
Open Image Modal
Supporters in favour of same-sex marriage celebrate and cheer as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(04 of14)
Open Image Modal
Drag queen artist and Yes campaign activist, Panti Bliss (R) takes a selfie along with a supporter as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(05 of14)
Open Image Modal
A man blows bubbles as supporters for same-sex marriage wait for the result of the referendum at Dublin Castle on May 23, 2015 in Dublin. ( PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL FAITH via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(06 of14)
Open Image Modal
Supporters for same-sex marriage wait for the result of the referendum at Dublin Castle on May 23, 2015 in Dublin. (PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL FAITH via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(07 of14)
Open Image Modal
Irish Senator Katherine Zappone (L) kisses her partner Ann Louise Gilligan as supporters for same-sex marriage wait for the result of the referendum at Dublin Castle on May 23, 2015 in Dublin. (PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL FAITH via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(08 of14)
Open Image Modal
Supporters for same-sex marriage raise a cheer at Dublin Castle as they wait for the result of the referendum on May 23, 2015. (PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL FAITH via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(09 of14)
Open Image Modal
A cardboard cut out of popular television character, Mrs. Brown played by Irish actor Brendan O'Carroll is held high as supporters in favour of same-sex marriage gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(10 of14)
Open Image Modal
Supporters in favour of same-sex marriage celebrate and cheer as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(11 of14)
Open Image Modal
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 23: A lesbian couple kiss as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(12 of14)
Open Image Modal
Supporters in favour of same-sex marriage pose for a photograph as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(13 of14)
Open Image Modal
Supporters for same-sex marriage celebrate outside a gay bar in Dublin on May 23, 2015. (PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL FAITH via Getty Images)
Ireland Votes Yes On Gay Marriage(14 of14)
Open Image Modal
Gay couple Michael Barron (L) and Jamie Nanci (R) who were married in Cape Town, South Africa embrace at the RDS count centre on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)