Press Release

Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons

For Immediate Release - Contact: Roy Speckhardt (202) 238-9088

(Washington, DC, July 31, 2003) Today the Vatican releases a landmark twelve-page document entitled “Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons.” It encourages lawmakers and religious leaders alike to oppose extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. The American Humanist Association (AHA) urges the same audience to take an opposite view--one of equality and inclusion.

The AHA, Following decades of advocacy for recognition of same-sex marriage issued a statement back in 1997 reaffirming the validity and supporting the legalization of same-sex marriages in every state of the Union. Today, Executive Director Tony Hileman further reinforces this position; “The AHA will continue to advocate for equal justice under the law, and won’t rest until there are equal marriage laws in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

“The Vatican document is advocating unjust discrimination that fails to take into account what science and experience have taught us over the years. Homosexual life partnerships are just as natural and potentially positive for society as heterosexual ones. Sexual orientation has no bearing on depth of commitment, child rearing, or overall family stability. Lesbian and gay couples are only disadvantaged by unenlightened legislation like what the Vatican is trying to promote.”

Legal acceptance of same-sex marriages has experienced tremendous gains both domestically and abroad over the past few years, and will likely continue to do so. “Withholding equal rights solely on the basis of sexual orientation is discrimination that shouldn’t be tolerated. The Vatican’s reliance on the crutch of dogmatic tradition will not hold it for long,” says Hileman.

The Vatican’s document has no legal force but the potential influence is considerable. “If politicians fall in lockstep behind guidelines set by a foreign religious figurehead, it would be an affront to our constitutional separation of church and state,” adds Mel Lipman, AHA president. “The pope should be well aware that in America elected politicians represent all their diverse constituents, not just those who share their personal religious beliefs.”

Hileman concluded, “The pope has expressed concerns regarding his declining influence over governmental policies in Europe and abroad. The AHA and other advocates of equality applaud this trend and expect it to continue in light of the Vatican’s promotion of an untenable and increasingly unpopular position.”

The American Humanist Association is the oldest and largest Humanist organization in the nation. The AHA is dedicated to ensuring a voice for those with a positive outlook, based on reason and experience, which embraces all of humanity.

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