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Critics Rip Pope's 'Homophobic' Speech

Pontiff's call for defense of gender roles seen as stoking homophobia

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 24, 2008 7:51 AM CST
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(Newser) – Gay and Christian groups have slammed Pope Benedict XVI's remarks that defending the “natural order” of man and woman is as important as protecting the rainforests, the Times of London reports. British Catholic leaders have countered that the pontiff didn’t explicitly mention homosexuality in his annual Christmas speech, but critics say the church—which has taken a harder line against gays recently—is fanning the flames of homophobia.

“I am extremely disappointed. This is not much of a Christmas message," one British vicar said. "This will not change anyone’s mind. I thought the Christmas angels said, ‘Fear not’. Instead, the Pope is spreading fear that gay people somehow threaten the planet. And that’s just absurd. As always, this sort of religious homophobia will be an alibi for all those who would do gay people harm.”

Pope Benedict XVI, right, delivers his message during his general audience in Paul VI Hall, as US bishop James Harvey, left, looks on, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI, right, delivers his message during his general audience in Paul VI Hall, as US bishop James Harvey, left, looks on, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Benedict XVI exchanges Christmas wishes with cardinals and prelates, in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 22, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI exchanges Christmas wishes with cardinals and prelates, in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Max Rossi, Pool)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message during an audience to exchange Christmas wishes with cardinals and prelates, in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 22, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message during an audience to exchange Christmas wishes with cardinals and prelates, in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Max Rossi, pool)
Pope Benedict XVI acknowledges faithful at the end of a Mass for students of universities in Rome, inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI acknowledges faithful at the end of a Mass for students of universities in Rome, inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Guest
Jan 21, 2010 12:08 AM CST
Indigo, you're tottally illegitimate in your claim. AND, if you are right, then being a Roman Catholic Priest/Cardinal/Pope must be un-natural to. Because If everyone were a Roman catholic religous leader, we would not exist either.
Guest
Nov 18, 2009 1:14 AM CST
Homophobe is a recent addition to the American Lexicon. Some wield it like a weapon. But it indeed putrifies the language. Be very careful or the Homophobic Boogeyman will get you.
Guest
Nov 18, 2009 1:09 AM CST
Homophobe is a term of objectification. It is militaristic in its political application and similar to the psychological mind set of the minority Nazi Party in Germany.

Pope warns blurring gender roles could destroy humanity
Guardian (UK)

Pope's comments outrage gay groups
CBC (Canada)

Opinion: Pope's remarks are being misinterpreted
Independent (UK)

 
gender • Pope Benedict XVI • homophobia • Catholic Church • homosexuality • Catholicism • gender roles • clergy • gays

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