Campaign launched to send coal to pastor who wants gays ‘executed for AIDS-free Christmas’

A campaign has been launched to send coal to a pastor who argued the world could be free from HIV/AIDS by Christmas if gay people were executed.

Steven Anderson – a pastor at the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Arizona – made the claim this week in a sermon titled ‘AIDS: The Judgement of God’ to mark World Aids Day 2014 (December 1). Find out more here.

Now, a new crowdfunding campaign – which has so far raised over $6,000 – has been launched by charity Planting Peace, who argue that Anderson is on Santa’s “naughty list” for his “ridiculous and unbelievably offensive” comments.

Read the full statement from the charity below:

In response to his ridiculous and unbelievably offensive statement, Planting Peace invites you to make a donation that will go toward helping people with HIV/AIDS. It’s clear to us that Pastor Anderson falls on the “naughty list” this year, so in addition, for every donation we receive Planting Peace will send a lump of coal to Pastor Anderson in a festive package tied with a bow that will be delivered on Christmas Eve.

To donate to the cause, visit the campaign’s website.

Meanwhile, according to a new survey, 28% of Brits think you can catch HIV from a toilet seat – find out more here.

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