Archdiocese denounces movement to extend hours of Mexico City nightclubs

Mexico City, Mexico, Mar 31, 2010 / 20:05 pm

The spokesman for the Archdiocese of Mexico City, Fr. Hugo Valdemar, spoke in opposition to members of the Federal District Legislative Assembly last week who proposed to extend the operating hours of nightclubs. The prelate also criticized the Democratic Revolution Party for promoting this initiative which will "lead to youth, family and social tragedies."

"Once again, the Democratic Revolution Party is revealed as an evil party, destroying our values and colluding with the darkest of interests," the priest said in a statement.

Fr. Valdemar posed the question, "what interest is served through the unspeakable extension to the hours of these dens? How will the increased revenue of such places pay for the many deaths of the young and the pain and suffering that their families will endure?"

The statement also questioned, “can we justify the economic benefit that will be experienced by a few ambitious entrepreneurs at the expense of human life and the safety of citizens? Will the Assembly govern on behalf of the citizens or will they favor the economic interest presented by this initiative which, in turn, benefits them financially?"

The priest dismissed several arguments in favor of extending the opening hours of clubs. One such argument claims to defend the right of young people to enjoy themselves. The other claims that other cities around the world have longer operating hours.

Fr. Valdemar said that to compare Mexico City to other large cities “is either ingenuity or cynicism, because if our city is characterized by anything, it is characterized by noncompliance with the law and unrestrained corruption.”

Finally, he called on the public, of which seven in 10 reject the measure, to not tolerate "this attack on the integrity of the family, the safety of youth and of all citizens."