Did a Catholic bishop just say gay people should be ‘put to death’?

A Swiss Catholic bishop has claimed he was “misunderstood” – after implying that gay people should still be put to death.

Speaking during the ‘Joy in Faith’ conference in Germany, 73-year-old Bishop Vitus Huonder explained his views on homosexuality by citing passages from Leviticus.

He said: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”

“Both of these passages alone suffice to clarify unambiguously the church’s position on homosexuality.”

Regarding parenting by same-sex couples, he said: “Even speaking of family diversity is an attack on the Creator.”

Preaching to an applauding audience, Bishop Huonder of Chur continued his speech, entitled “Marriage – a gift, sacrament and order,” condemning same-sex marriage, homosexuality, divorce and other recent social issues.

However, after Swiss LGBT group Pink Cross demanded a public apology from the controversial religious leader, he claimed he was misunderstood.

Pink Cross claimed: “Once again a massive gaffe by Bishop Huon: he says the Bible is the death penalty for homosexuals.”

However, according to Swiss Info, the bishop says he regrets that the comments were “misunderstood”, claiming: “That wasn’t my intention.”

However, the ultra-conservative Bishop Huonder is no ally of LGBT rights- and previously attempted to sack a priest for blessing a lesbian couple.