Legal warning to church on gay stance

The Irish Times, Dublin ^ | August 2, 2003 | Liam Reid

[AFA-Michigan]

Clergy and bishops who distribute the Vatican's latest publication describing homosexual activity as "evil" could face prosecution under incitement to hatred legislation.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has warned that the language in the 12-page booklet is so strong it could be interpreted as being in breach of the Act.

Published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, it states that Catholics have a duty to oppose the introduction and operation of legislation recognising same-sex unions. It identifies politicians as having a duty to vote against any such moves.

According to the document, Catholic teaching states that while homosexuals should be treated with "respect, compassion and sensitivity", homosexuality was "objectively disordered".

"Those who would move from tolerance to the legitimisation of specific rights for cohabiting homosexual persons need to be reminded that the approval or legalisation of evil is something far different from the toleration of evil," it states.

It also claims that allowing children to be adopted into same-sex unions would mean "doing violence to these children". This would place them "in an environment that is not conducive to their full human development".

Ms. Aisling Reidy, director of the ICCL, warned yesterday that the statement could be in violation of the 1989 Incitement to Hatred Act. Those convicted under the Act can face jail terms of up to six months.

"The document itself may not violate the Act, but if you were to use the document to say that gays are evil, it is likely to give rise to hatred, which is against the Act," according to Ms Reidy. "The wording is very strong and certainly goes against the spirit of the legislation."

Under the Act literature which is threatening, abusive or insulting, linked with the intent of stirring up hatred, is illegal.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"Published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, it states that Catholics have a duty to oppose the introduction and operation of legislation recognising same-sex unions. It identifies politicians as having a duty to vote against any such moves."

Enjoy the rest of your tour.

[Gophack]

According to the document, Catholic teaching states that while homosexuals should be treated with "respect, compassion and sensitivity", homosexuality was "objectively disordered".

What is so hateful about this statement? It's the clear teachings of Jesus Christ and His church. We are to love ALL human beings because they are created in His image, but we do not therefore have to condone or love their wrongful acts.

Pray for homosexuals, that they might find peace and love in the Lord and turn from their harmful practices.

[BnBlFlag]

It's oustounding that this could be happening in once Catholic Ireland.

[eastsider]

It's oustounding that this could be happening in once Catholic Ireland.

To be sure, it's the snakes' revenge ...

[AFA-Michigan]

Given the voluminous written information about Halperin's "How to be Gay" class -- the course description itself, years of quotes and interviews by Halperin, etc. -- I've never bought into the notion that there's something to be gained by our contacting, interviewing, or trying to dialogue with the man himself. His spin AFTER the national spotlight is on him is of much less interest than what he openly wrote BEFORE when he didn't think anyone was looking. My offer to debate him on the issue in the forum of his choice was published in the Ann Arbor paper, I believe...no response.

[AFA-Michigan]

My apology. The post above was meant for another discussion. Hit the wrong "reply" button.