Bishops warn of the danger of the gender equality Bill that attacks marriage and the family

AMERICA/VENEZUELA - 

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Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - “The future of our society depends on the respect and protection that is awarded to marriage and the family, institutions which are considered fundamental for all peoples,” the Bishops of Venezuela have said in a statement issued at the close of their Plenary Assembly in which they manifest their desire to participate in the debate over the “Organic Draft Bill for Gender Equality” being presented and debated in the legislature in Venezuela, “with the hope of shedding light on this delicate theme of values and principles of the Christian faith.”
The Bishops explain that although the draft bill “mentions among its objectives the will to promote principles of equality and solidarity and strengthen respect for the human rights of all,” however, there are reasons for affirming that “grave violations and irreparable damages to the fundamental rights and structures of Venezuelan society that are acknowledged in our Constitution are committed in the bill.” Moreover, it is yet another attack on marriage and the family, which already suffer “due to economic, social, and moral deterioration, and for the impact of an 'all-inclusive' culture of sexuality that attacks its social and juridical structures.”
The Prelates also mention the fact that the new law “presents a serious attack on the sacred and protected rights enumerated in our National Constitution...as it legitimizes same-sex unions, awarding them the same juridical and patrimonial values as marriage.” In addition, it “ignores the constitutional protection of the right to the sacredness of human life, whether it be through contraceptives or abortion.”
The text follows: “When the institution of marriage and the family, which are the pillars of a society, are threatened by social, economic, ideological, or juridical situations, institutions within society should rise up in their defense.” Thus, they affirm that “the reaction and rejection of society is legitimate when the dignity of the human person and his rights – such as the right to a family structure constituted by a man, a woman, and their children – are under threat.”
Thus, the Bishops ask all the faithful to maintain “a vigilant attitude of study and discussion of this new draft bill,” and invites them to “work and make propositions that contribute to the dignification of the human person and reject what contributes to the weakening of such fundamental rights as: dignity and respect for the human person and the natural structure of marriage and the family.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 15/7/2009)
Links:
Complete text of the statement
http://www.fides.org/spa/documents/Comunicado_de_la_Conferencia_Episcopal_Venezolana_ante_el_Proyecto_de_Ley_Org_nica_para_la_equidad_e_igualdad_de_g_nero.doc