It ha been that way for a long time but not since the begining.
Everyone SHOULD take that vow seriously whether they think it's right they had to take it or not, however there is an epidemic of homosexuals within the church, and the churches are losing parishioners because they no longer trust the clergy.
I think allowing men who have married but who now feel a call to the priesthood to join would help to convey to parishioners that the same values they hold with regard to family, are held by the priest, and reassure them the priest is not a wolf in sheeps clothing.
Further it would be in line with ancient tradition.
Further scrutinization will lead to less wolves in priest clothing but it will reduce the number of the priestshood and put preassure to reduce the number of churches. It also doesn't do a whole let to reassure parishioners in individual churches. It won't help stem the tide of those not attending because they cannot trust the clergy.
I think that allowing married men, who've suitably proven themselves to be fit for the priestshood to enter into it would be much more reassuring, and in keeping with ancient tradition.
I think allowing men who have married but who now feel a call to the priesthood to join would help to convey to parishioners that the same values they hold with regard to family, are held by the priest, and reassure them the priest is not a wolf in sheeps clothing.
Further it would be in line with ancient tradition.
Again, you are speaking in generalities. Allow me to cite a specific example. Several years ago, my pastor died and was replaced by a younger priest who was manifestly 'light in the loafers'. He took his time before implementing any changes but did so slowly and methodically. He had an excellent decorating style and everyone 'oohed and aahed' over the minor transformations. He created a very welcoming environment and the parish began to grow.
Cognizant of certain plans he had to introduce 'liturgical dance', I confronted him and the CCD Director, giving them documents to substantiate the fact that liturgical dance is banned. He tried to persuade me that this was 'liturgical movement'; I wrote to the diocsan office. In their initial response, they threw their support behind his terminology of 'liturgical movement'. Still not persuaded, I wrote back, citing Sacrosanctum Conciliam - "every catholic is entitled to a valid liturgy". That was the key that shut down the dance.
Inspired by this confidence, I moved on to other liturgical abuses that I witnessed each week. I even tried to enroll the support of more 'orthodox' parishioners. They all loved this priest and stood behind him, abuse and all. After watching a EEM drop a consecrated host on the ground, I asked Him to guide me to a holy man, a reverent liturgy and a welcoming community.
I found it in a local Maronite Catholic Church. Our pastor is bi-ritual (Maronite and Latin). You will find him up ladders repairing the church roof, fixing the plumbing, visiting the sick, saying mass during the week at the priestless diocesan parishes, in order to consecrate a sufficient number of hosts for their weekend priestless services. He is as straight as they come, celibate, Eastern and a tireless worker in the vineyard. When I discovered this church, I began spreading the "good news". Truth be told, many catholics don't want to hear orthodox homilies and our pastor refuses to serve up the pablum scooped out at the RC parishes. Our parish is small and shrinking; the other one is large and growing.
As I mentioned above, one's personal orientation has nothing to do with it.