GAY CATHOLICS TO PROTEST AGAINST POPE

Gay Catholics say that they will protest against Pope Benedict XVI’s attacks on gays and lesbians during his upcoming US visit, from 15 to 20 April.

DignityUSA, said to be the oldest and most progressive organisation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics, says that it will host a number of public events in Washington, D.C. and New York City including talks and a press conference during the pastoral visit.

“All of our events are planned to be peaceful, prayerful and positive,” said Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA’s executive director.

“At the same time, we need to recognise the damage that this Pope’s attacks on our community have caused countless individuals and families.”

The group also intends to demonstrate along the Papal Motorcade route in Washington, D.C. and during the Pope’s meeting with US Bishops, also in the capital.

Since become Pope in 2005, Pope Benedict has actively campaigned against same-sex families, claiming that they are a threat to world peace.