Pastor Claims Marijuana Makes Men 'Spiritually Gay'
Pastor Joel Webbon claimed that marijuana makes men 'spiritually gay' in a viral May 30 post. LGBTQ+ advocates condemned his comments as harmful and rooted in homophobia.
A Christian pastor has made controversial claims about marijuana. Joel Webbon posted his views on May 30. He said that cannabis makes men 'spiritually gay'. Many people found these comments offensive and harmful.
Webbon connected marijuana use to LGBTQ+ identity in a negative way. He used the word 'gay' as an insult. This kind of language causes real harm to LGBTQ+ people. It suggests that being gay is something bad or weak.
The pastor also called for what he described as 'nicotine men'. He believes nicotine represents strength and masculinity. This idea pushes a very narrow view of what men should be. It leaves no room for different types of men, including gay and bisexual men.
Webbon also made claims about the government. He suggested that leaders support cannabis legalisation for a hidden reason. He believes the government wants to use marijuana to make men easier to control. He also said it helps leaders manipulate the population. There is no evidence to support these claims.
Critics quickly responded to his post. LGBTQ+ advocates said his language was dangerous. Using 'gay' as a negative label reinforces homophobia. It tells young LGBTQ+ people that something is wrong with them.
Experts in public health also disagreed with his claims. There is no scientific evidence linking marijuana to sexual orientation. Researchers have not found any connection between cannabis use and being gay. His statements are not based on facts.
This is not the first time religious figures have made such claims. Some pastors use LGBTQ+ identity to talk about weakness or moral failure. This type of rhetoric continues to fuel discrimination. It can lead to real-world harm against LGBTQ+ individuals.
LGBTQ+ organisations have called on religious communities to do better. They ask faith leaders to use respectful and accurate language. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Using someone's identity as an insult is never acceptable.
Webbon's post received strong backlash online. Many people, both religious and non-religious, criticised his views. The conversation highlights ongoing tensions between some religious groups and LGBTQ+ rights.