Oregon bishops urge respect for gay people but oppose civil unions

Published: 2005-05-06

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- Oregon's Catholic bishops issued a letter April 27 calling for respect for people with a homosexual inclination, but opposing civil unions for same-sex couples. The issue of civil unions is being debated in the Oregon Legislature. "To legalize civil unions is to adopt a public policy that, in effect, states that marriage and same-sex civil unions, although called by different names, are essentially the same and equal. They are not," said the letter, printed in the Catholic Sentinel, newspaper of the Portland Archdiocese and Baker Diocese. The letter -- signed by Portland Archbishop John G. Vlazny, Baker Bishop Robert F. Vasa and Portland Auxiliary Bishop Kenneth D. Steiner -- said that the protections and benefits for married couples and children are in society's best interest. Civil unions, the bishops said, give a "confusing legal and educational message" to young people.

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