Even Homosexuals have rights!

Over the past week debate on rights of homosexuals hit the headlines in world newsrooms after manifestations in several cities. In America, former president Bill Clinton is on record as having regrets on the position he took when he forbid gays serving in the army.Http://wwwpinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13246.Html. July 14 2005. On the other hand, President Obama addressed manifestations by the gays last week, while in Italy manifestations in support were held in various towns while Rainews 24 dedicated an hour program to discuss homosexuality on Tuesday. Interestingly, some high level official at the UN accused Italy of taking a step backward when parliament voted against the motion last week. The ugly part of it was the physical or otherwise attacks subjected against homosexuals in various parts of the world.

While all this is happening the Church has been accused of taking hard line position against homosexuals. However, it is important to clarify that the Church does not support or recognize any position that does not respect the dignity and rights of human person. She is on record as having a real concern to this pastoral problem. In a letter to the bishops, the Church says ‘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 pastors whenever it occurs’. Letter to Bishops of the world on the pastoral care of homosexuals #10

The Church holds that gays should be treated with love and prudence to help them from overcoming the problem. What the church questions is the presentation of gayism as an orientation beyond once capacity of choice. The church recognizes that some cases are beyond human intervention but are very few. However, she does also know that gayism is a way of life chosen by many contrary to the order of creation. In fact one wonders, if it is true that it is an orientation, how comes it is only becoming an issue in the recent times while it was never some years back and why only in some places and not universally in the whole universe? This indicates that there is something wrong in what is presented as the basis of such arguments.

This calls for a serious reflection because it is a pastoral concern. We must denounce all forms of violence against fellow human beings no matter our convictions. In deed the challenge from the gospel is that we love others because only Love conquers all things. However, our show of love should not be construed to mean we do favor this way of living or even support it. Rather we call all people to embrace the natural order of creation and do what is deemed fit and right for human persons.