SAME SEX "MARRIAGE"
The same sex "marriage" controversy became a greater reality with the introduction and eventual passing of the Canadian Same Sex "Marriage" Bill C-38 in February'2005. In short, this bill alters the traditional definition of marriage to include the union of same sex couples.
In response to the passing of Bill C-38, the Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano has characterized the passing of this bill as a manifestation of "violent attacks aimed at the natural family, based on a union between a man and a woman." The Vatican newspaper's theme is a reiteration of then Cardinal Ratzinger's 2003 document, "Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons." In this document, then Cardinal Ratzinger stated, "There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family...Under no circumstances can they be approved...Clear and emphatic opposition is a duty…it is necessary to oppose legal recognition of homosexual unions." In June'2005, Pope Benedict XVI stated that the equation of homosexuality with marriage was contributing to the "dissolution of matrimony," and the undermining of the social supports of society.
Here in Canada, a great defender of the family, Calgary's Bishop Frederick Henry, has stepped into the debate over this controversy and provided further clarity, understanding and guidance specifically for Canadians. In Bishop Henry's Pastoral Letter released on January'2005, he makes several key points:
- the primary goal of legalizing same sex "marriage" is not for financial, health, inheritance or pension benefits, but rather to acquire a powerful psychological weapon to change society's rejection of homosexual activity and lifestyle into gradual, even if reluctant, acceptance
- as Catholics, we hold marriage to be a sacrament and a sacred covenant in which husband and wife express their mutual love and join with God in the creation of new human life, destined for eternity
- Marriage and the family are the foundations of society, through which children are brought into this world and nurtured as they grow to adulthood. As such, the family is a more fundamental societal institution than the state and the strength of the family is vital for the well being of our whole society.
- Since homosexuality, adultery, prostitution and pornography undermine the foundations of the family, the basis of society, then the State must use its coercive power to proscribe or curtail the interests for the common good
- The committed union of two people of the same sex is not the same human reality as the committed union of one man and one woman. A same sex union is not a physical union that transmits life, producing children. A same sex union is not the joining of two complimentary natures that complete each other.
- It is the right and responsibility of all citizens who are troubled by the proposal to reinvent the institution of marriage, to enter into the debate and with clarity and charity, to make their voices heard by their fellow citizens and our political leaders
Inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life, our fraternity has endeavored to bring about greater awareness on this controversy. We join our fellow Catholics and Christians alike to make our voices heard and reveal the truth about same sex "marriage." This attack on the fundamental basis of society, the family, has prompted us to add this controversy to our awareness efforts, that together with this page, we would like to share the following resources with you:
- Pope Benedict XVI's Doctrinal Note: Participation of Catholics in Political Life
- Lifesite.net's Canadian Defence Marriage Resources
- Defend Marriage Canada
- Engage in the marriage debate: Catholic Civil Rights League