Pastor’s Sermon Calling for Violence Against LGBTQ+ Community Sparks Outrage

A sermon delivered during “Men’s Preaching Night” at the Fundamental Baptist Church in Indiana is drawing national attention and condemnation after a speaker called for death and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. The event was streamed live on Facebook.

The speaker, identified as Steven Falco, made multiple incendiary and hateful remarks during his message. He referenced violent acts and called members of the queer community “disgusting,” while suggesting they should be met with extreme punishment. The church later responded to media inquiries by stating Falco was referring to capital punishment for what they describe as “sodomites,” and clarified they do not advocate for individuals to take action into their own hands.

“The Bible teaches that those people are worthy of death,” the church wrote in a statement. “They are supposed to be executed by the government.”

Local resident and mother Allie Klausen responded, saying messages like this can have invisible yet profound effects on children. “When we’re teaching them through hate and disguising it through scripture, what we’re doing is abusing them invisibly,” she said.

The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis also condemned the sermon, calling it “theologically irresponsible and pastorally dangerous.” They reaffirmed their support for dignity and inclusion for all people, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Eric Skwarczynski, who grew up in a fundamentalist church and now investigates religious extremism through his podcast Preacher Boys, said such rhetoric is not new — but it is becoming more overt.

“Growing up, I often heard people say they’d rather their child be dead than gay,” he said. “Now the language is becoming more literal and public. Each generation in these churches is pushing for more extreme views.”

Skwarczynski believes the increasing visibility of this rhetoric is linked to the rise of Christian nationalism. “What was once said behind closed doors is now broadcast to the world,” he added.

Critics warn that such messages, even when couched in religious language, can contribute to real-world harm.

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