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The
traditional values of chastity, the sanctity of marriage and family, as
well as the development of sound parent-child relationships, and the
freedom of parents to rear their children in a healthy and moral
climate, are critical to a well-ordered society. All of these are
under assault today and can be further threatened by poorly conceived
legislation.
Adoption by Homosexuals We support existing
Florida law, which does not allow adoption by homosexuals. The best
interest of a child is the primary consideration in his or her placement
for adoption. While we affirm and defend the human and civil rights of
homosexual persons, we also affirm and defend the Church's teaching on
marriage and family. Laws allowing adoption by homosexuals may have the
effect of legitimizing homosexual activity. We oppose any proposal
which does not maintain a distinction between sexual orientation and
sexual activity. Our concerns extend to the Florida policy allowing
homosexuals to be foster parents, even though these arrangements are
temporary and not permanent.
We
understand the desire to tolerate adoption by homosexuals under the
pretext of avoiding discrimination. We are against unjust
discrimination against gays and lesbians, but we are also opposed to a
policy which will in effect give legal sanction to homosexual acts. It
is a proper role of government to unmask ways in which tolerance may
unwittingly be used to advance an unwarranted agenda, and it is also
appropriate for government to avoid exposing young people to erroneous
ideas about sexuality and marriage.
Clearly the
temptation is to give legal recognition to a reality that does not seem
to cause injustice to anyone. But there is a difference between
homosexual behavior that occurs in private, and the same behavior as a
relationship that is approved in law to the point where it becomes part
of our legal structure. It is our belief that this result would be
contrary to the common good. We also believe that legal recognition of
homosexual unions will devalue the institution of marriage. We do not
believe that the principles of respect and discrimination should be
invoked to support legal recognition of homosexual unions. Same
Sex Marriages
The Florida Catholic Conference supports the existing Florida law
recognizing marriage as
between one man and one
woman as husband and wife and banning same sex marriage
(Section 741.212 FS). We support proposals
that will strengthen that ban, provided they do not discriminate unduly
against gay and lesbian persons. Human dignity and human rights are
God-given; they are not earned nor are they legislated. Our tradition
affirms these rights, seeking human respect, economic and personal
security and social equality for all people.
We affirm with Pope John Paul II that marriage “...undergirds the
institution of the family, is constituted by the covenant whereby a man
and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of their whole
life, and which of its very nature, is ordered to the well-being of the
spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of children.” Only such
a union can be recognized and ratified as a marriage in society. Other
interpersonal unions, which do not fulfill the above conditions, cannot
be recognized, despite certain growing trends that represent the serious
threat to the future of the family and of society itself. (Cf.
Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1601)
Domestic Partners/Civil Unions
Domestic partner/civil union legislation can take various forms,
but we do not support proposals that have the effect of giving
legitimacy to either homosexual or heterosexual cohabitation outside of
marriage. Such legitimacy does not now exist and to give it approval
would send the harmful message to our youth that such relationships are
natural, moral and the legal equivalence of marriage.
Human dignity and human rights are God-given; they are not earned
nor are they legislated. Our tradition affirms these rights, seeking
human respect, economic and personal security, and social equality for
all people.
With respect to the fundamental rights of the person, every type of
discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on sex, race,
color, social condition, language, or religion, is to be overcome and
eradicated as contrary to God’s intent. (Cf. Pastoral Constitution
on the Church in the Modern World, No. 29, Documents of Vatican
Council II)
Homosexuals, like everyone else, should not suffer from prejudice
against their basic human rights. They have a right to respect,
friendship and justice. “While
the Church teaches that homosexual acts are immoral, she does
distinguish between engaging in homosexual acts and having a homosexual
inclination.” (Ministry
to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care,
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 14, 2006.)
Based on these principles, the Florida Catholic Conference will:
Affirm and defend the human and civil rights of homosexual persons,
as well as others.
Oppose discrimination against all persons. Legislation must not
make homosexual behavior or lifestyle a protected or approved
activity, but rather prohibit discrimination against persons.
Affirm and defend the Church's teaching on marriage and family.
Maintain the distinction between sexual orientation and sexual
activity.
Work to assure that society's concern for the family, for parental
rights, and for all citizens is protected in any proposed
legislation.
Last updated: November 2006
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