Illinois Republicans nominate candidate who blames gays for autism and tornadoes
Wed. March 19, 2014 9:39 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
Chicago, IL -
Susanne Atanus, who said autism and dementia are punishments from God, narrowly won Illinois' 9th District Republican primary against Navy veteran David Earl Williams III.
Atanus made headlines in January when she told told the Daily Herald that God controls the weather and has sent tornadoes and diseases, like autism and dementia, as punishment for legalized abortion and gay rights.
"God is angry. We are provoking him with abortions and same-sex marriage and civil unions," Atanus said. "Same-sex activity is going to increase AIDS. If it's in our military it will weaken our military. We need to respect God."
Atanus later reiterated her statements to LGBT newsweekly Windy City Times.
"God is super angry," she said.
Atanus also said she does not believe in the separation of church and state.
After her comments to the Daily Herald, Illinois and Chicago Republicans called her statements "offensive" and said she has no place on the November ballot as a Republican.
The 55-year-old conservative will challenge gay-friendly Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D) in November.
A complete report on Illinois primary elections from Windy City Times
Atanus made headlines in January when she told told the Daily Herald that God controls the weather and has sent tornadoes and diseases, like autism and dementia, as punishment for legalized abortion and gay rights.
"God is angry. We are provoking him with abortions and same-sex marriage and civil unions," Atanus said. "Same-sex activity is going to increase AIDS. If it's in our military it will weaken our military. We need to respect God."
Atanus later reiterated her statements to LGBT newsweekly Windy City Times.
"God is super angry," she said.
Atanus also said she does not believe in the separation of church and state.
After her comments to the Daily Herald, Illinois and Chicago Republicans called her statements "offensive" and said she has no place on the November ballot as a Republican.
The 55-year-old conservative will challenge gay-friendly Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D) in November.
A complete report on Illinois primary elections from Windy City Times