Roman Catholic
bishops are calling for a strong turnout in a
demonstration to protest a bill that would legalize same-sex
marriage in Spain, calling the fight against the
legislation a "just cause."
The demonstration, planned for June 18, has been
called by the Spanish Forum for the Family to protest
the Socialist government's proposed law, which would
make this traditionally Roman Catholic country the third
European nation to legalize same-sex marriages.
In a statement sent to Spanish media Thursday,
the bishops said, "We find ourselves faced with a
question of the greatest moral and social importance
which demands of citizens, and Catholics in particular, a
clear and incisive response by every legitimate means." The
demonstration is to be held under the slogan "The Family
Does Matter."
Leading daily El Pais said it was the
first time the bishops had come out openly to back a
demonstration against government legislation since
1983, when they supported protests against education
reform. The Socialist government insists the bill does not
interfere with the institution of marriage but merely
extends legal recognition to gay and
lesbian couples. The proposed law was approved by
a 183-136 vote, with six abstentions, in the lower house of
the parliament and is to be voted on in the senate on June
22. (AP)
