Catholic officials in Hungary denounce broadening of marriage rights

Published: 2007-12-28

BUDAPEST, Hungary (CNS) -- Catholic Church officials in Hungary have denounced the government's decision to extend marriage rights to unmarried and same-sex couples. "To equate such relationships with marriages undermines society's health and endangers children," said Csongor Szerdahelyi, spokesman for the Budapest-based Hungarian bishops' conference. "We don't discriminate against homosexuals in the church, but nor do we agree with politicians who say such liberal changes are inevitable, and who try to influence opinion by claiming this way of living is normal in the West." Hungary's parliament Dec. 17 approved a law that allows unmarried and same-sex couples to register as legal partnerships. Under the law, which will take effect in January 2009, registered gay or unmarried partners will gain the rights of inheritance and joint taxation, but not the right to adopt children. In a statement, the Hungarian bishops' conference expressed disappointment that the law equated same-sex couples with "real families."

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