Ryan Dotson was originally scheduled to officiate Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor’s wedding until he was booted by the Vanderpump Rules stars for homophobic and transphobic comments that resurfaced. Now the Kentucky pastor is speaking out about the situation.

The church leader claimed that he is neither homophobic or transphobic but stands firmly with the teachings of the bible. He admits that he doesn’t agree with the homosexual lifestyle but ‘loves the homosexual.’

He told Page Six that although they are going with another religious leader to wed them, he did receive an invitation to the ceremony but would not be attending because he’d be too much of a distraction.

Ryan’s statement read, in part: ‘When it comes to the wedding of Jax & Brittany, in December they requested over lunch if I would do them the honor of marrying them, because they wanted a “Christian wedding,” of course 1 said yes, seeing that I’ve been the family’s Pastor for the last several years. Jax & Brittany are a beautiful couple and I wish nothing but love and happiness. I am deeply saddened that their wedding is being marred by those with an agenda. My religious views have nothing to do with the fact of whether or not I was capable of performing the wedding. I’m not sure what everyone was thinking, but in Kentucky, which is a part of the Bible belt, most pastors feel the very same as I do, which should be of no surprise to anyone.’

He went on to describe what he’s faced these past few days since the story of his past remarks re-gained traction.

‘As of late Wednesday evening I had received an overwhelming amount of messages of HATE from the LGBT Community. They have used their platforms in multiple media outlets to slander my name and defame my character. I truly understand now what it means to be bullied. For those who speak love and tolerance, really demonstrated hate and intolerance towards me. I ask for no sympathy because I firmly stand on what I believe is just and right, and if I am hated for it, I’ll wear that badge with honor.’

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What do you think about his statement?

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