Bias Watch

Clueless preacher declares “Heroes have callused knees!” during homophobic sermon

Tony Spell
Tony Spell Photo: YouTube screenshot/BRProud News

A Louisiana preacher who made a name for himself by getting arrested for refusing to respect COVID-19 restrictions last year is now getting attention for an odd gaffe in a the middle of a homophobic sermon.

“Heroes have callused knees,” Life Tabernacle Church Pastor Tony Spell shouted in a clip that has gone viral.

Related: Defiant pastor who kept church open despite coronavirus warnings dies a week later from COVID-19

Spell, who sued Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) last year for violating his religious freedom with coronavirus restrictions, told his congregants, “The world needs manly preachers.”

“There’s enough fag, queer, skinny-jeaned, homo-effeminate, sissy preachers out there with makeup and mascara on their eyes for the camera,” Spell said.

“Isn’t about time you get some sweat on your forehead? Isn’t about time you get some dirt under your nails and get some grease on your hands? Isn’t about time you get some blood on your sword? Cursed be the man that keepeth his sword from blood.”

“We need heroes in this hour! Heroes have callused knees. Heroes might get terminated from their jobs. Heroes might not get invited to the family reunion.”

Spell defied and denounced Louisiana’s stay-at-home order last year at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, saying that “spiritual food” is an essential service and holding a massive Easter service with over 1000 attendees.

When one of his congregants died and the coroner said they died from complications related to COVID-19, Spell called that “a lie.”

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