Asunción, Paraguay, Sep 27, 2005 / 22:00 pm
In a statement released by two family committees of the Bishops’ Conference of Paraguay, the bishops of that country maintain that the so-called “ ‘gender perspective’ aims to strip human sexuality of its natural content and purpose in order to turn it into an arbitrary and subjective choice.”
The statement notes that the bishops proposed an alternative to a measure that seeks to legalize abortion in Paraguay but that was rejected.
“We know that other laws will follow that will open the doors to the recognition of homosexual unions, adoption by such couples, the legalization and indiscriminate acceptance of abortion, etc, and that distort the value of the natural family made up of husband, wife and children. These positions often form the basis for certain behaviors such as homosexuality, lesbianism, etc,” the bishops maintained.
“Let us be clear that our position is not against the affected person, but rather decidedly against the evil itself which is tormenting an increasing sector of society. Moreover, we reaffirm our commitment to provide attentive and personal care to those who are victims of physical and sexual abuse. We believe that the instigators should receive the punishment they deserve, according to the national laws and international agreements,” they continued.
The bishops also called for civil debate on upcoming laws on reproductive health, prenatal care, and anti-discrimination, and that personal attacks be avoided.
“Rather, may a collective national reflection be sought out at every moment, with the knowledge that in the end, the common good of all citizens is what is being pursued,” they concluded.