A Cape Town preacher accused of homophobia has been criticised for sharing a fake news Facebook post about Springbok and Stormers player, Damian Willemse.
The pastor recently made headlines over his comments condemning Marc Lottering’s song performance at a local church.
He has been previously convicted of making anti-LGBTQ hate speech comments.
CAPE TOWN PASTOR SPREADS FAKE NEWS ABOUT DAMIAN WILLEMSE
On his Facebook account, Cape Town preacher Oscar Bougardt shared a post relating to rugby player Damian Willemse.
The post, from a fake news page, claimed that the 28-year-old had refused to wear a captain’s armband supporting the LGBTQ community.
Bougardt, believing the viral post, shared on his own profile: “I commend Damian Willemse for standing firm in his convictions regarding LGBTQI+ ideologies and the dispute over wearing armbands in LGBTQI+ colours. The notion that one must stand firm in their beliefs is well-founded.
The preacher, who heads up the Calvary Hope Baptist Ministry, said of the player: “Although many may label him as intolerant, homophobic and a hater, he should remain resolute.
“Disagreement does not equate to hatred, and differing opinions should be respected.
In the comments section, Bougardt was criticised for spreading fake news, particularly about Damian Willemse.
One Facebook user responded: “A simple Google search would have helped with your ignorance”, while another added: “Please fact-check before you post these things”
An unfazed Bougardt responded: “Even if it’s fake news, it’s still happening where people are forced to wear LGBTQI+ regalia.
JAIL TIME OVER HOMOPHOBIC VIEWS?
It’s not just Damian Willemse whom the Cape Town preacher has singled out in his homophobic rant.
Last month, Oscar Bougardt courted controversy after he criticised openly gay comedian Marc Lottering for singing in a local Cape Town church.
This is related to social media posts by Lottering and his husband, theatre producer Anwar McKay, about attending the baptism of a child’s friend.
The couple visited the New Hope Church in Cape Town, where Lottering was invited by Pastor Jose van Rensburg onto the stage to sing a song.
Bougardt condemned the pastor for his “questionable and unbiblical” stance.
Images via Facebook
His comments could land him in hot water with the law again. The preacher has a suspended sentence over his previous homophobic rants and risks imprisonment by continuing to condemn the LGBTQ community publicly.
However, he claims that his comments “do not advocate harm, do not incite violence, and do not promote hatred against any individual or group. They constitute religious and theological expression concerning church doctrine and leadership, which must be distinguished from unlawful hate speech.”
