Vatican warns Italy that anti-homophobia law infringes on Catholics' freedom

The Vatican is concerned that a drafted Italian anti-homophobia law will limit the Catholic Church's religious freedom. 

In a diplomatic comuniqué delivered to the Italian ambassador to the Holy See, the Vatican's Secretariat of State expressed its concern that the bill would infringe on the Church's freedom guaranteed by its relationship with Italy.

The Vatican fears that under the potential law, expressing an opinion on traditional marriage could be considered a crime. 

It also worries that private schools will be obligated to organize activities for a future National Day against Homophobia and Transphobia in Italy. 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect for the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life, is the only Vatican official to have commented on the matter so far. 

CARD. KEVIN FARRELL
Prefect, Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
"Of course, if the law is a concern for the Holy See, it is a concern for us as well. It is a concern we share."

The Catholic Church in Italy is in favor of a law against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; but asks that it not restrain freedom of thought.

JMB

TR: JM