Catholic Italy mobilises as conservatives mount last stand against same-sex unions

[Warren Stupidity]

In the last country in western Europe not to offer rights to gay couples, thousands gather to condemn - or support - a change in the law.

It is no coincidence that while same-sex couples have been granted rights in other Catholic-majority countries, such as Ireland and Spain, the home of the Vatican remains the last country in western Europe not to offer rights to gay couples.

The Irish referendum last year to legalise gay marriage was deemed a “defeat for humanity” by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state. The new bill represents an immense challenge to the authority of the Catholic church at a time when its influence over Italian politics and society is seen to be diminishing. The cause has also rallied conservatives of all stripes, who argue that the law betrays the “natural family” and the Italian constitution.

“In Italy the constitutional court said marriage is only between a man and a woman ... This law is a scam, because it requires changing the constitution,” said Gianfranco Amato, one of the organisers of the protest.

In fact the Italian constitution refers only to “spouses” rather than specifying gender, although the court ruled in 2010 that banning same-sex unions did not breach citizens’ constitutional rights. While the new bill makes no mention of the word “marriage”, another protest organiser, Toni Brandi, argued same-sex unions are “a direct assault” on the tradition of marriage.

The protest camp has been eagerly awaiting remarks from Pope Francis, who has failed to comment directly on the law but made his view on the issue clear. “There cannot be confusion between the family wanted by God and every other type of union,” he said earlier this month.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/31/same-sex-marriage-mass-rally-rome

That Frank, so clever, says nothing but speaks clearly. "No rights for you".

[rug]

1. The law will pass.

And this is idiocy:

“We’re a symbol, the final stronghold. It’s as if the church will collapse [if the law passes], the Vatican will fall, St Peter’s will crumble!” she said. “So there’s very strong resistance.”

Sorry to break the news, warren.

[yeoman6987]

5. I can't believe the United States wasn't last in the world to give equal rights in marriage

I hope the rest of the world follows our lead. Wow it's been awhile since we could say this positively.

[AtheistCrusader]

8. Be pretty fucking cool if it happened though.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/europes-empty-churches-go-on-sale-1420245359

I haven't done the math, but St. Peter's Basilica looks like it might work as a hockey rink.


LOL bing search; type in "European Churches" and the autocomplete suggestions are

European Churches for sale
European Churches closing
European Churches that are crumbling
European Churches only for the rich

[rug]

12. A complete non sequitur.

Here's another. Dawkins' country estate would make a fine refuge for Syrian refugees.

[AtheistCrusader]

14. Yes it would.

Holds a lot more people than my house.

[Cartoonist]

2. Oh brother

“We have a lot of grandchildren; their future is ruined if marriage is destroyed,”
--
I have never understood this argument. Heterosexuals will still be allowed to marry. They won't be forced to become gay first in order to get married.

[Warren Stupidity]

3. No you are mistaken. The gay will spread everywhere.

Look at what has happened in every country that has recognized basic human rights: there are no more heterosexual marriages.

[Cartoonist]

4. It's like saying

If we abolish slavery, then liberty is doomed.

There always has to be a minority to oppress, or they lose their privilege.

[trotsky]

6. Bigots gonna be bigoted.

"The protest camp has been eagerly awaiting remarks from Pope Francis, who has failed to comment directly on the law but made his view on the issue clear."

Oh wait, that's right, he's not actually bigoted for wanting to deny gay people rights, he's just following his deeply-held religious beliefs so it's alright.

I hope Dawkins tweets something soon to totally offset the collective bigotry of a billion member church!

[rug]

7. Oh good, you're complaining aboUt "the collective bigotry of a billion member church".

Do explain that, trotsky. (Don't worry about the irony, that will take care of itself.)

Maybe you can ask Dawkins to explain it.

Bigots gonna be bigoted.

[AtheistCrusader]

9. how about

'a billion member church, that spends an inordinate amount of time and resources on protecting and furthering bigotry'.

[rug]

11. That is more uninformed than bigoted.

But it's close.

[AtheistCrusader]

13. Well, closer to 1.4bn.

But naturally, you're not going to offer any specifics whatsoever, so we might as well be talking about what color hats aliens wear, because the behavior of the church leadership/entity is too inconvenient for you to defend.

[rug]

15. No, it's because I don't follow non sequiturs.

Are you looking for a fight tonight?

[AtheistCrusader]

16. Tonight? No.

Why?

[rug]

17. Becase your posts are bordering on the obnoxious.

Since you asked.

[AtheistCrusader]

18. Do you possess a mirror?

[Act_of_Reparation]

10. Pietro Parolin?

Oh, you mean the guy Pope Awesome appointed as Secretary of State?

You overestimate the Pope's authority, Warren. Obviously, the conservative cardinals and bishops made Frank appoint Pete... and possibly groom him for succession. Or something.