Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said he “profoundly disagrees” with comments by a Kerry priest last weekend on sexual morality, but he respects his right to express them.

Fr Seán Sheehy last Sunday delivered a homily describing the promotion of abortion, same sex relationships and transgenderism as serious sins. He also condemned the free distribution of contraception to young people.

The retired priest was deputising in Listowel for parish priest Canon Declan O’Connor, before being taken off the roster by the Bishop of Kerry, Dr Ray Browne.

A spokesman for the Tánaiste said he “respects his [Fr Sheehy’s] right to express his religious beliefs freely”. He added that he “does not believe that gay people will go to hell for being who they are, nor does he believe that any man or woman can make such a judgment”.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney also weighed in on the matter.

“I think they’re disgraceful comments, and I think they are a reflection on the person that made those comments rather than anything else and they should be withdrawn and there should be an apology,” he said.

Fr Sheehy made a number of outings on media yesterday defending his remarks including Radio Kerry, the RTE News at One, Joe Duffy’s Liveline, and Newstalk.