Vatican backs gay decriminalization, not U.N. measure

[Shana A]

Vatican backs gay decriminalization, not U.N. measure
Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:59am EST
By Phil Stewart

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BI30Y20081219

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican Friday urged governments around the world to decriminalize homosexuality but said a proposed U.N. resolution on the issue went too far.

Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said the Holy See's delegation explained the position at the United Nations late on Thursday, criticizing the wording of a European-backed text that champions decriminalization of homosexuality.

"The Holy See continues to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination toward homosexual persons should be avoided and urges States to do away with criminal penalties against them," read the delegation's remarks, released by the Vatican on its website (www.vatican.va) Friday.

[Kaweah]

I'm glad the Vatican felt enough shame over their refusal to support the UN resolution that they issued statement essentially giving a green light to other nations to support it.