Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com
CNN anchor Don Lemon is livid after Vatican officials refused to bless same-sex unions.
The leaders of the Catholic Church announced the ruling on Monday, March 15, as part of a two-page decree signed by Pope Francis.
The ruling stated God "cannot bless sin", calling any such blessing "not licit."
The Vatican said the church should be welcoming toward gay people, "with respect and sensitivity," but not endorse their unions.
Lemon was a guest on ABC's "The View" where he promoted his new book, addressing racism in America.
Switching to the Vatican's ruling, Lemon, who is in a same-sex marriage, said the ruling was "wrong" and he called on the Vatican to "reexamine themselves and their teachings."
He added:
"I respect people's right to believe in whatever they want to believe in their God. But if you believe in something that hurts another person or that does not give someone the same rights or freedoms, not necessarily under the Constitution, because this is under God, I think that that's wrong."
He continued: "God is not about hindering people or even judging people."
"We have to start being realistic about God and the Bible," he said. "If you are a person of faith in this country, and we know America is built on faith and religious freedom, a good way of starting is to present the true identity of Jesus."
Lemon went on to describe Jesus as "a Black or brown person."
"[Jesus] is a black or brown person, rather than someone who looks like a white hippy from Sweden or Norway. We should start with that and put that in your home, either a Black Jesus or Brown Jesus. Jesus looked more like a Muslim or someone who is dark, rather than a blonde-looking carpenter."
