French cardinal: rush to approve same-sex marriage divides society, risks violence

April 16, 2013

Cardinal André Vingt-Trois of Paris has warned that the French government is risking violent protests by pushing through a bill to legalize same-sex marriage despite public opposition.

The rush to approve same-sex marriage threatens to “paralyze political life,” the cardinal said. He observed that at a time when the country faces severe economic difficulties and other pressing social problems, the government’s heavy pressure for approval of same-sex marriage shows a failure to recognize the people’s real priorities.

By forcing the issue, and refusing to answer criticism, the government has also increased divisions within France, the cardinal said. “Society has lost its capacity for integrations, and especially its ability to blend differences in a common project,” he said.

Cardinal Vingt-Trois made his remarks at a meeting of the French bishops’ conference. He is concluding his 2nd term as president of the episcopal conference, which will elect his successor this week.

 

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Further information:

• French cardinal warns gay marriage law risks violence (Reuters)
• Mariage pour tous : le cardinal Vingt-Trois critique le «passage en force» du gouvernement (Le Figaro)