Bishop mobilizing Paraguayans to defend life and family from proposed law

Asunción, Paraguay, May 24, 2005 / 22:00 pm

As debate looms in the Paraguayan Congress over a new law that would open the door to abortion and homosexual “marriages,” Archbishop Pastor Cuquejo of Asuncion is calling on the faithful to gather outside the Cathedral on Wednesday to protest in defense of life and the family.

The proposed bill, which is set to be debated on Thursday, would allow for abortion in cases of rape.

The bill passed unnoticed last December in the Paraguayan Senate but was uncovered recently by Focus on the Family.

Experts warn passage of the bill would be dangerous, as an alleged rape would not have to be confirmed before the female victim could obtain an abortion.  In addition, minors would not be required to notify their parents before getting an abortion.

On the other hand, pro-family leaders point out that the bill’s ambiguous language, including such terms as “gender discrimination and violence” and “sexual choice,” would allow for future approval of homosexual “marriage.” 

The bill would also authorize the State to sign agreements with feminist and pro-abortion NGO’s that would monitor implementation of the measure.

Conscientious objection on the part of government officials and health care workers would be prohibited, with sanctions against those who refuse to carry out abortions.

Archbishop Cuquejo called on all Paraguayans to publicly protest the proposed law, which he said constituted an attack on life and marriage.