Political activity of the Catholic Church on LGBTQ issues
Open-knowledge reference entry
The political activity of the Catholic Church on LGBTQ issues mainly consists of efforts made by the Catholic Church to support or oppose civil government legislation on issues of importance to LGBTQ people. While the Church has condemned violence against gay and lesbian individuals, it has also, in some countries, opposed efforts to decriminalize homosexuality and resist anti-discrimination measures. The Church advocates for marriage to be legally defined as a union between one man and one woman, thus generally opposing the legalization of same-sex marriages. Opinions on specific LGBTQ issues have been variable and have evolved over time. The Church asserts that certain forms of discrimination against LGBTQ people in some contexts are justifiable in service to the common good.
Statements on gay rights
Church doctrine says that all people are made in the image and likeness of God, giving every human an inherent dignity and that there is nothing which can diminish a person's "inherent and immeasurable worth and dignity" This claim has been cited in defense of the Church's opposition to gay rights. It further states that "every person, irrespective of sexual orientation", has the right to be treated by individuals and by society with dignity, respect, and fairness."
A 1992 letter from Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger condemned gay bashing. It said that LGBTQ people "have the same rights as all persons including the right of not being treated in a manner which offends their personal dignity," and have the right to work, to housing, and others. It adds that:
It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church's pastors wherever it occurs.
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