Arizona pastor banned from Ireland over anti-gay sermons
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona pastor known for preaching anti-gay views is causing controversy in Ireland, where he has been banned from entry.
Irish broadcaster RTE reported Tuesday that the Irish Council for Civil Liberties questioned if the decision to bar Pastor Steven Anderson was too extreme.
Meanwhile, the LGBT Ireland group applauded Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan's signing Sunday of an executive order prohibiting Anderson from visiting.
Irish media say Anderson is the first person subject to such an order since they were allowed 20 years ago.
His Tempe church, Faithful Word Baptist, still has a May 26 event in Dublin listed on its website.
Anderson did not return messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.
Anderson is known for anti-gay sermons and once saying he prayed for President Barack Obama's death.
