Pope Francis denounces laws criminalizing homosexuality as ‘unjust’, says God loves all children just as they are, and calls on Catholic bishops to welcome LGBTQ people into their churches rice field.
“It’s not a crime to be gay,” Francis said in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality and discriminate against the LGBTQ community, and he himself refers to the issue as “sin.” Did. However, he believes that such attitudes lie in the cultural background, and bishops in particular said that they need to go through a process of change in order to recognize the dignity of all people.
Germany is “acting in close coordination” with its international allies, he added.
“These bishops must go through a process of conversion,” he said, and apply “please, kindness, as God has given to each one of us.” Added.
Francis’ comment is the first time the Pope has spoken out on such a law, but it aligns with his holistic approach to the LGBTQ community and his belief that the Catholic Church welcomes all and should not discriminate. I am doing it.
According to The Human Dignity Trust, about 67 countries or jurisdictions around the world criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, and 11 of them can or cannot impose the death penalty. are doing. Experts say it fosters harassment, stigma and violence against LGBTQ people, even in areas where the law is not enforced.
In the United States, more than ten states have enacted anti-sodomy laws despite a 2003 Supreme Court ruling declaring them unconstitutional. Gay rights advocates have argued that outdated laws are being used to harass homosexuals, with evidence such as Florida’s “don’t say gay” law. pointing out new laws. of ongoing efforts to marginalize LGBTQ people.
The United Nations has repeatedly called for the abolition of laws that outright criminalize homosexuality, which violates the right to privacy and freedom from discrimination, and protects the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation. It is in violation of a country’s obligations under international law. Or gender identity.
Pope says laws are ‘unjust’
Declaring such laws “unjust”, Francis said the Catholic Church could and should put an end to them. There is,’ he said.
Francis quotes the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexuals must be welcomed and respected, and not left out or discriminated against.
“We are all children of God. He loves us for who we are and loves each of us for our strength to fight for our dignity,” said Francis.
Francis’ remarks come before a trip to Africa, where such laws are common, as is the Middle East. Many date back to British colonial times or are inspired by Islamic law. Some Catholic bishops strongly support them as being consistent with Vatican teachings, while others call for their overthrow as a violation of basic human dignity.
In 2019, Francis was expected to make a statement against the criminalization of homosexuality.
In the end, after word of the audience leaked, Pope never met with the group. Did.
With the recent death of his more conservative predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, there was no indication that Francis had spoken out against such legislation. But Francis readily responded, even citing statistics on the number of countries where homosexuality is criminalized.
On Tuesday, Francis said there needs to be a distinction between crime and sin when it comes to homosexuality.
“It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin,” he said. “Okay, but first let’s make a distinction between sin and crime.”
“It is also a sin to be unkind to one another,” he added.
Catholic teachings say that homosexuals must be treated with respect, but that homosexuality is “intrinsically disorderly.” Francis hasn’t changed his teachings, but he’s made it a Pope’s hallmark to reach out to the LGBTQ community.
Starting with his famous 2013 declaration: — when asked about the allegedly gay priest he is — Francis has repeatedly served publicly in the gay and transgender community. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he advocated giving legal protection to same-sex couples instead of supporting gay marriage, which Catholic doctrine forbids.
Despite such outreach, Francis was criticized by the Catholic LGBTQ community for a 2021 decree from the Vatican Office of Doctrine that the church cannot bless same-sex couples.
In 2008, the Vatican refused to sign a UN declaration calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality, complaining that the document went beyond its original scope. It called for the abolition of penalties against homosexuals and avoiding “unfair discrimination.”
