Evangelical pastor says women who wear trousers will not make heaven because it is indecent

NIGERIAN evangelical clergyman Pastor Dapo Soyemi has declared that women who wear trousers will never make heaven because their actions are contrary to the will of God and are tantamount to indecency.

In a development that has created a stir within Nigeria's Christian community, the comments have enraged many church goers who regards the remarks as sexist and misogynistic. According to Pastor Soyemi, women are not allowed to walk in trousers and those who do so will not make the gates of heaven.

Pastor Soyemi said: "No woman wearing trousers has ever and will ever enter heaven. Your objection cannot change the truth of God."

Across Nigeria, the matter of decency remains a debated issue in most religions, particularly in church, where a more liberal approach is being adopted. many of the new generation evangelical churches allow their female members to dress flamboyantly but some still hold on to their stringent beliefs on the matter.

Pastor Soyemi posted his comments on Facebook, where many have reacted, claiming he was being unreasonable and judgmental. Others surprisingly supported the evangelist's sentiments claiming women should not wear men's attire.

Christian theologists have long debated the interpretation of Deuteronomy Chapter 22 verse five, which says: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God."

Traditionalists say this says the bible forbids women from wearing trousers, while liberal Christians claim that there are women's trousers, which are different from those of men. Liberals claim that women's trousers are female garments because they are designed for women with features like wide hips.