"All forms of violence and unjust discrimination"

The Vatican's legal attaché to the United Nations issued a statement on Dec. 10 putting the Holy See on record as opposed to "violations of human rights against homosexual persons."

The attaché made his remarks following an afternoon panel discussion about treatment of homosexuals by governments around the world as part of the observance of Human Rights Day, which commemorates the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Here is the full text of the statement from the Holy See:

Mr. Moderator,

Thank you for convening this panel discussion and for providing the opportunity to hear some very serious concerns raised this afternoon. My comments are more in the form of a statement rather than a question.

As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person.

As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See's position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth.

Thank you, Mr. Moderator.

Rev. Philip J. Bené, J.C.D.
Legal Attaché
Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations