Denver archbishop laments legalization of civil unions in Colorado

March 13, 2013

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver has issued a statement lamenting the passage of civil union legislation in Colorado. The state’s bishops had opposed the legislation, which grants marriage-like benefits to homosexual couples.

“Senate Bill 11 is the beginning of an effort to redefine the family in Colorado and to undermine the right of all children to have a mother and a father,” said the archbishop. “Civil unions are not about equality, tolerance or fairness. They create an alternate reality in which all institutions can be self-defined. Make no mistake: Civil unions are the first step to redefining marriage and to radically redefining the concept of civil rights. Civil rights are about protecting individuals and institutions from tyranny or oppression, not providing legal endorsement to all conceivable social arrangements and constructs.”

Archbishop Aquila added:

Senate Bill 11 is particularly troubling because the religious liberty of all Coloradans has been discarded under the guise of equality. The ability for religious-based institutions to provide foster care and adoption services for Colorado’s children is now dangerously imperiled. Faced with the reasonable request for religious liberty and conscience accommodations, state Sen. Pat Steadman offered the following: “So, what to say to those who claim that religion requires them to discriminate? I’ll tell you what I’d say. Get thee to a nunnery and live there then. Go live a monastic life away from modern society, away from the people you can’t see as equal to yourself.” These comments are woefully antagonistic to Catholics, to Christians and to all people of faith and good will.

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop of Denver responds to civil unions bill (Archdiocese of Denver)
• Colorado lawmakers OK civil unions for gay couples (AP)