The Catholic Church has displayed its regular compassion and understanding with an assertion from Cardinal Thomas Williams, the head of the Church in New Zealand, that gays and lesbians aren't worth protecting because they are in a minority. Williams is concerned that the family is under attack by the Civil Union Bill, and asked the NZ Herald, "Why should we undermine an absolutely vital institution in society on the spurious grounds that it's necessary to do so to protect the rights of a minority?" While the Catholic Church has never been "party political", it does have concerns for the common good, says Williams. "There is a canker in our society that is not making for healthy social relationships." Some might wonder whether the Church itself is that canker, with its long history of covering up for its child sex abuser priests. Williams' question to the Herald mirrors the Church's attitude in this regard, whereby the Church asked itself why its integrity should be undermined on the grounds that its necessary to protect the rights of a minority – children.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Sunday, 21st November 2004 - 12:00pm