[Catholic Caucus] President of Pontifical Academy for Life Backs Italian Anti-Homophobia Bill

National Catholic Register ^ | July 1, 2021 | Edward Pentin

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[Catholic Caucus] President of Pontifical Academy for Life Backs Italian Anti-Homophobia Bill

Even though the Holy See has sent a diplomatic note to the Italian government expressing its concerns about the bill, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia has twice voiced his support on his own.

VATICAN CITY — Despite the Holy See making a rare intervention in Italian politics last month to express concerns about an anti-homophobia bill passing through the Italian Parliament, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia has twice voiced his support for the proposed legislation and called for greater social commitment to root out discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“The Church, which has never been indifferent, wants to help fight any abuse,” he continued. “It is not just about promoting the freedoms of Catholics, but of everyone.” His only criticism of the proposed law was that it could be better written, as it currently looks “more like a ‘manifesto.’” 

Archbishop Paglia also went on to say that the “idea of a ‘no’ Church is false,” and it is incorrect to say the Church is opposed to rights. “Nor is it true that there has been, in history, a pure opposition between those who stood as champions of the rights of individuals and humanity and a Church that imposed only prohibitions aimed at stifling individual freedoms,” he said.  

The Holy See and Italy’s bishops are concerned the bill could lead to the criminalization of the Church in Italy for refusing to bless same-sex unions, for opposing adoption by homosexual couples by Catholic institutions, or for not complying with gender theory in Catholic schools, which could include mandating them to take part in national days for homosexual rights. 

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Paglia and close-up a mural he had painted in the apse of his cathedral

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Ping

[Hambone 1934]

Big surprise......