Pat Robertson: Alzheimer's Makes Divorce A-OK

The disease is 'a kind of death,' he explains
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Suggested by wittmannnews.com
Posted Sep 15, 2011 8:30 AM CDT
Pat Robertson: Alzheimer's Makes Divorce A-OK
In this Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 file picture, Rev. Pat Robertson talks to attendees at a prayer breakfast at the Capitol in Richmond, Va.   (AP Photo/Clem Britt, File)

Ahh, Pat Robertson, always good for a fun quote or two. On his 700 Club, the religious broadcaster told Tuesday's audience that if your spouse has Alzheimer's, it's OK to divorce him or her. He wouldn't "put a guilt trip" on anyone who took such a step, he said. When asked by his co-host about that pesky little "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health" part of the marriage vows, Robertson explained, "If you respect that vow, you say 'til death do us part.' This is a kind of death."

The topic came up as Robertson was advising a viewer whose friend started dating again after his wife developed the disease, the AP reports. "I know it sounds cruel," Robertson responded, "but if he's going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her." He also advised, "Get some ethicist besides me to give you the answer." Click for more memorable Pat Robertson quotes. (More Pat Robertson stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X