Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mar 18, 2011 / 12:58 pm
The Federal Network of Families in Argentina recently launched a petition calling on legislators to nullify the country's law on same-sex “marriage.”
The group hopes to collect 500,000 signatures.
Juan Pablo Berarducci, the national coordinator of the signature drive, told CNA on March 16 that if the measure is passed, gay “marriage” will be outlawed in the entire country.
Same-sex “marriage” was legalized in Argentina in July 2010.
Laws legalizing gay “marriage” at the local and provincial levels would thus be in conflict with Argentinean family policy, which is rooted in article 14 of the country’s constitution, Berarducci explained.
Abortion
The measure would also grant legal protection to pregnant women and to the unborn by affirming that from the moment of conception, “the unborn child has the inalienable right to life as the first human right.” The measure would ensure that the unborn “are not left to the mercy of anyone.”
“The guarantee of this right in its maximum extension is a primordial obligation of the government at all levels and in all situations that could arise,” the measure states.
The petition process
Berarducci said the Network of Families is seeking to gather 500,000 signatures by July 2011, before the candidates for president and vice president outline their policy platforms. He also plans to gather the support before the list of candidates running for the Argentinean House and Senate is finalized.
This strategy would force candidates to take a position on the measure and would give voters a better idea of how they intend to govern, he explained.
Once lawmakers receive the petition, they will have 12 months maximum to address it. “This is the most important effect, as the signatures of voters obligates them to act and provides lawmakers with a mandate saying, we want this law,” Berarducci said.
He added that the petition is already gaining the support of a number of lawmakers at all levels of government.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA