Gay Catholics Should Leave the Church that Persecutes Them

KENILWORTH, 29 NOVEMBER 2005 — The latest Vatican policy excluding gays from the priesthood has been roundly condemned by the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) which is calling on all gay Catholics to leave the Church.

George Broadhead, GALHA’s secretary, said: “This latest outburst from the Vatican is grossly insulting to all gay people. It suggests that we cannot be trusted and are unworthy of a place in society. Surely no self-respecting gay person can remain in an institution that persecutes them to this extent.”

Mr Broadhead said that gay Catholics – and any other Catholics of goodwill – should seriously consider withdrawing their support from the church. He said gay priests should stand down and demonstrate to the Vatican just how dependent it is on their services.

“The Vatican’s statement has effects far beyond the Catholic Church,” Mr Broadhead added. “There are some Catholic countries – particularly in South America – which persecute gay people mercilessly. This document will give them justification for the imprisonment and torture of gay people.”