Televangelist Pat Robertson on Thursday
advised a woman to set boundaries in her friendship with a lesbian or
risk turning her children gay.
Catherine wrote to Robertson asking:
“Growing up, I had a best friend. We parted ways after high
school. Ten years later, we got back in touch. I am really glad to
see her because I've always thought of her as my sister. But
recently, I invited her to meet my children. She said yes – and
asked if she could bring her 'partner.' I said, 'Okay.' I know that
my friend's family has shunned her because of her lifestyle, and I
don't want to be like that. I want to show love – but I don't want
her to think I am okay with her ways. And I don't feel comfortable
having her around my children. Should I keep this friendship?”
Robertson answered that “you keep
love” but went on to advise setting boundaries in the friendship.
“But at the same time, you don't want
your children to grow up as lesbians,” Robertson said. “So
that's what you're talking about. You don't want to show them that's
an acceptable lifestyle for your family.”
“It doesn't hurt to tell somebody,
'Look, I love you and we're going to do what we can to be friends, if
we can, but I have my lifestyle as Christian and you have yours is
not. And so, I'm sorry that we can't indulge in certain things
together.'”
“I think if you're honest, I believe
people respect that,” Robertson added. (The video is embedded on
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