Bishops call Massachusetts same-sex decision a 'national tragedy'

Published: 2003-12-03

BOSTON (CNS) -- A recent Massachusetts court decision clearing the way for same-sex marriages is a "national tragedy" that will violate the rights of "generations to come" unless it is reversed, the Catholic bishops of Massachusetts said in a joint statement. "Changing the definition of marriage in the long run will seriously harm family life," said the statement read at all Masses celebrated in the four dioceses of Massachusetts Nov. 29 and 30. The bishops said the justices who voted with the majority in the 4-3 decision "have set the stage to erode even further the institution of marriage as a human reality which the state should protect and strengthen for the good of society." Signing the statement were Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley of Boston and Bishops Daniel P. Reilly of Worcester, Thomas L. Dupre of Springfield and George W. Coleman of Fall River.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .