Vatican to Publish Document on Homosexual Unions

VATICAN CITY, JULY 28, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will publish a document this Thursday reminding Catholic politicians and lawmakers not to equate homosexual unions with matrimony.

The Holy See's Press Office confirmed today the publication of the text, which is entitled "Considerations on the Plans for the Legal Recognition of Unions Between Homosexual Persons."

Quoting the Italian agency Ap. Biscon, the Italian newspaper Avvenire published some passages of the document.

According to this anticipation, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who will sign the document in his capacity as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, explains that "to give the support of one's vote to such a harmful legislative text for the common good of society is a gravely immoral act."

Couples joined in matrimony, he clarifies, carry out the role of guaranteeing "the order of generations and are, therefore, of eminent public interest."

In countries where laws have already been introduced which equate homosexual couples with matrimony, the document calls on Catholic politicians to oppopse them "with all possible means and to make their opposition known: it is an act of witness to the truth."

If it is not possible to abrogate a law of this nature, the Catholic active in politics has the moral obligation to try to limit its harm.

This will be the second document of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith addressed to Catholic politicians and persons in power. A doctrinal note was published in January http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=30023 answering some questions regarding the participation of Catholics in political life.

The document encourages the active political participation of Catholics in democracy, but requests that they be consistent with their convictions, stressing respect for the person and for life as the criteria to distinguish between legitimate plurality and ethical duty.