Catholic Church Rejects Equal Opportunities Bill

The Roman Catholic Church of Belize has issued a statement on its position on the Equal Opportunities Bill.  The Bill was scheduled to be introduced in the House of Representatives today but was withdrawn following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.  The Bill seeks to protect nineteen different groups from discrimination including the LGBT community. The Church says that unjust discrimination has always and will always be condemned by the Church.  It says that homosexual tendencies must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity and that every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard must be avoided.  However, the Church says that the bill was rushed and while it is a bill of great magnitude and consequence time is needed to fully study the bill.  The Church then says that it cannot support the bill because it gives unparalleled power to the Commission and Tribunal.  The Church also sees the danger of endangering the public’s freedom of conscience and freedom of religion and is concerned about the danger of infringement on parental rights.  The Church is also opposing the notion that the bill suggests that there are more than two genders.  And lastly, the Church says, “We consider that this bill in its present form would do much to confuse the youth of Belize regarding the sacredness of sexuality and that sex is not, first of all, a pleasure source but a way toward holy matrimonial union and conception of children.”