Religion is Not an Excuse!

I just came across an interesting news article in The Guardian concerning the Pope's condemnation of Britain's gay rights legislation.

I appreciate that the relationship between the Church and the Law is a tough one. Religious tolerance is essential in a modern society, but so is the equality of individuals in the whole of society. Christianity simply cannot be used to justify otherwise inexcusable acts. It's difficult to find a balance.

Many Christians feel that they have been discriminated against under today's legislation; a notable case involved a registrar who was not granted the right to refuse to 'marry' gay couples under the Civil Partnership Act. This is understandable, of course, but Christianity is not above the law. Of course, many Christians don't have a problem with homosexuality (many Christians are homosexuals themselves!), so religious homophobia is clearly more of a personal choice; unlike homosexuality, which cannot be chosen. The Law is not based upon whims or emotions or religious inclinations, but it provides a safe place in which people can express such sentiments. Freedom of speech and religious tolerance are a beautiful thing, and to the Pope and anyone who wants to complain about laws discriminating against the religious I say: "Be happy that you can even complain about this."

Sorry to ramble... I don't really see what the problem is with gay adoption from a Catholic perspective anyway; sure, Natural Law maintains that homosexuality is wrong, but given that studies show how having gay parents does NOT make you gay... I suppose they would argue that gay adoption "undermines the family." Meh. Still not an excuse to discriminate.

Anyway, I'm tired and I'm not in a very good mood so I'll stop rambling.

Another interesting article at The Guardian (yes, I do actually read other papers!) can be found here displaying the Tories' less-than-impressive record on gay rights voting. To be fair, David Cameron has now apologised for voting against the overturning of the terrible 'Section 28,' but I still think the right-wing of British politics has a rather worrying track-record!

Love and Peace,

J xxx