North Carolina pastor sparks fury with sermon saying he'd clear any rapist whose victim was a scantily-clad woman because 'a man's a man'

Fury has erupted after a North Carolina pastor giving a sermon said that he would clear any rapist whose victim was wearing shorts because 'a man's a man'. 

Pastor Bobby Leonard was forced to apologize for his despicable comments, posting a message on the billboard outside the Bible Baptist Tabernacle church in Monroe saying: 'I was wrong'.

But it was too late. The clip quickly went viral, and people called for him to resign. 

Christian journalist, Julie Roys, wrote: 'Yes, a man is a man, not an animal. And he is responsible for controlling himself. This pastor needs to resign.' 

In the full video, Pastor Leonard can be seen addressing the congregation, holding his hands out as he says 'if you dress like that and you get raped, and I'm on the jury, he's gone go free' because 'a man's a man'. 

Pastor Bobby Leonard made the comments during a sermon at his church, the Bible Baptist Tabernacle

He was forced to issue an apology on the billboard outside the church after fury erupted online with many calling for him to resign

He said: 'You find more women going to those places with shorts, than you will women with pants and dresses put together. 

'Try it, if you got time, try it. Have your boy go ahead and try it and watch for it, have your girl go out and watch for it. 

'I used to say this, I haven't said this in a long time, you ready: I say if you dress like that and you get raped, and I'm on the jury, he's gone go free, you don't like it do you, I'm right though. 

'I'm right, because a man's a man.' 

Fury erupted online with one viewer saying: 'Pull him out of the pulpit. This shouldn't even be a discussion.' 

Another said: 'That is beyond disgusting. Utterly shameful.'  

Another added: 'This man is clearly well into senility and needs to be removed immediately for his own wellbeing and the wellbeing of his church.' 

Pastor Leonard was forced to issue an apology, posting on a board outside the church: 'I am sorry for any hurt. I was wrong.' 

But many weren't convinced. 

Pastor Bobby Monroe is a married grandfather and has worked at the church for 40 years

The church, in Monroe, North Carolina 

One woman said: 'In no way is a sign on the street an apology from him. He needs to make a video, in front of the congregation.' 

Another added: 'Agreed. A full written or verbal statement would be most appropriate here.' 

According to his page on the church's website, pastor Leonard is a married father of four with 'many grandchildren'. 

It adds: 'Their constant desire is to see ALL their family saved and serving Christ with all their heart.' 

It says he started the church over 40 years ago. 

DailyMail.com contacted the Bible Baptist Tabernacle for comment.