Conservative Group Links Marriage Equality to Illinois Tornadoes

An antigay group is suggesting that there may be a connection between the passage of marriage equality in Illinois and the tornadoes that recently wreaked havoc on the state.

Robert Ritchie, the executive director of America Needs Fatima, a conservative Catholic arm of the right-wing organization American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property, wrote a blog post titled with the incendiary question, "Do you think the massive Illinois tornadoes are linked to the passing of the same sex 'marriage' bill?"

"The massive tornadoes that hit Illinois after the passing of the same sex 'marriage' bill, has stimulated many people to reflection," Ritchie wrote. "In it, some see God's chastisement; others see it as yet one more merciful warning from Providence; others yet deny both options and give various reasons."

"What do you think?" he concluded, before linking to a longer article that calls natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina "divine chastisements for sin."

There were more than 80 reports of tornadoes across the Midwest Sunday, notes ABC News, causing at least six deaths. Pat Quinn, the governor of Illinois, declared several counties in the state disaster areas due to the immense damage. He is expected to sign the marriage equality bill into law today.