Catholic leader says ‘commitment plus equality does not equal gay marriage’
Vincent Nichols, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, has hit out at David Cameron’s plans to legalise gay marriage arguing “commitment plus equality does not equal marriage.”
Jonny Payne
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Following a meeting of Catholic leaders to discuss the Government’s proposal in Leeds this week, Nichols said he is “very disappointed” with the plans, which if passed, would grant gay couples equal marriage rights to straight couples.
Prime Minister David Cameron said last month that he hopes gay marriage legislation can be introduced before the planned 2015 general elections, with a consultation due in March.
As reported by the Telegraph, Archbishop Nichols said: “I am very disappointed that the Government seems to be choosing this direction.
“I respect the Prime Minister’s insistence and emphasis on the importance of equality in relationships and the vital importance of commitment. Those are things that we recognise as very important to the health of society.
“But commitment plus equality does not equal marriage and the distinctive nature of marriage is something that is very important to the well-being of society because it is the foundation of family life as we know it and as it experienced by the vast majority of people.”
No comments:
Post a Comment