Vatican Official Mocks "Bathroom Bills" at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

High-ranking Catholic Cardinal Robert Sarah spoke out against homosexuality and mocked legislation promoting transgender equality at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, according to Catholic News Service.

"Should not a biological man use the men's restroom? How simpler can that concept be?" the cardinal reportedly asked an audience of clergy and congregants, receiving applause and laughter from the audience.

His comments were made in response to the passage of controversial legislation in North Carolina preventing transgender people from using public bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. As a result of this legislation, the state is being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for civil rights violations.

When the White House was asked about Sarah's remarks, particularly as they relate to Obama administration directives allowing transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, spokesman Josh Earnest had no comment.

Known for his bigoted views, Sarah used the prayer gathering to blame modern medicine and the legalization of marriage equality for, among other things, destroying humanity. "In the name of tolerance, the Church's teaching on marriage, sexuality and [the] human person are being dismantled. The legalization of same-sex marriage, you're beginning to accept contraception within healthcare programs and even bathroom bills that allow men to use the women's restroom and locker rooms," he said in a keynote address recorded by CNS.

His speech left no stone unturned. "Sadly, the advent of artificial reproductive technologies, surrogacy, so-called homosexual marriage, and other evils of gender idolatry will inflict even more wounds in the midst of the generation we live with," he said.

Sarah is Guinean was appointed by Pope Francis in 2014 as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He is responsible for devising regulations for the officiation of important religious ceremonies including marriage.