Homophobic pundit Peter LaBarbera has claimed that Walmart is actively encouraging its workers to become gay.

Mr LaBarbera – the head of listed homophobic hate group Americans for Truth about Homosexuality – was arrested on April 15 for distributing “graphic” homophobic literature at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan.

He launched an attack on retail chain Walmart in a release this week.

Mr LaBarbera said: “During the Christmas season, we should focus on honouring God and His Son, Jesus, who came to earth to die for our sins.

“Walmart has done much good in the world – but celebrating politically correct sins – homosexuality and transsexuality – only dishonours God and incentivizes Walmart’s own workers to embrace immoral and confused behaviour patterns in their lives.”

“Walmart needs to get out of the sin promotion business and at least return to neutrality on the homosexual/transgender issue.”

The activist encouraged his supporters to call the chain’s head office, to “politely express your concerns about Walmart ‘going gay’ and turning its back on godly morality and traditional marriage”.

He previously condemned attempts at policies allowing transgender people to openly serve in the military, and protested against transgender people using public restrooms.

In the past, he penned an open letter to gay NFL player Michael Sam, recommending he consider gay-to-straight conversion therapy.