Anti-Catholic resolution prompts lawsuit
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San Francisco, Calif., Apr 5, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- A resolution, condemning Catholic moral teaching on homosexuality and urging San Francisco’s archbishop and Catholic Charities to defy Church directives prohibiting gay adoptions, has prompted a federal lawsuit by the Thomas More Law Center.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the resolution March 21.

The lawsuit was brought on behalf of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights and two San Francisco citizens. It challenges the anti-Catholic resolution on the basis of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

The lawsuit claims that the First Amendment “forbids an official purpose to disapprove of a particular religion, religious beliefs, or of religion in general.”

Robert Muise, the Law Center attorney handling the case, added that the U.S. Constitution “forbids hostility toward any religion.”

“In total disregard for the Constitution, homosexual activists in positions of authority in San Francisco are abusing their authority as government officials and misusing the instruments of government to attack the Catholic Church. This egregious abuse of power is an outrage and a clear violation of the First Amendment,” he said.

The resolution alludes to the Vatican as a foreign country meddling in the affairs of the City and describes the Church’s moral teaching and beliefs as “insulting to all San Franciscans,” “hateful,” “defamatory,” and “absolutely unacceptable.” It also says Cardinal William Levada, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, is “unqualified” to lead.

This “anti-Catholic resolution sends a clear message to Plaintiffs and others who are faithful adherents to the Catholic faith that they are outsiders … [and] that those who oppose Catholic religious beliefs … are insiders, favored members of the political community,” the lawsuit states.

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: cathy pressimone
mohnton, pa usa 08/14/2006 08:43 AM EST
Since the beginning of this great country, there has been a deep seated fear of all things Catholic; we all know that. It is sad to see the same sentiments being espoused today that were rallying cries for the know-nothings; the "Vatican is a foreign country meddling in the affairs of the City". It is about time that the Church in America demands the rights it so willingly grants to all other people.
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Published by: Michael
Dallas/Texas 08/12/2006 03:00 AM EST
It is the business of the church to influence proper moral and sexual conduct, we don't get to re-write the bible. But maybe we should consider renaming San Fransisco. We'll call Sodom.
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Published by: Joe
DC 04/05/2006 09:45 PM EST
One person asked "why doesn't the Church keep out of the bedrooms of grown adults?" In fairness, isn't the question here why doesn't the S.F. Bd. of Supervisors keep out of the affairs of the Church? The Church has a duty to speak out on matters of faith and morals and thus to provide guidance to all mankind, whom God calls to communion with Him. This holds true whether we're young or old, in the bedroom or elsewhere. You're free to deny that what the Church teaches is true, but to say that the Church doesn't have the right to teach it is to commit the same error of which you are accusing the Church.
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Published by: Esteban
Costa Rica 04/05/2006 08:36 PM EST
I urge all American citizins living in the United States to open their eyes to what the politicians are doing in the US, and to get involved to fight for the application of the US Constitution First Amendment. Religious practice, free from the interference of the State, is a basic human right worth dying for. Millions have paid with their lives, in the US and in the world, for this basic Human Right. There are some very negative trends in US politics which need to be addressed, specially dealing with religious freedom. All catholic are called to be aware of this and to take action inmediately to suppress religious bigotry. The US deserves better. We must be intolerant with the intolerants. Freedom of Religion Worship is sacred.
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Published by: John Healy
Washington, DC 04/05/2006 05:44 PM EST
The Vatican is treated as a foreign government at the United Nations. It has the same rights as every other nation in the General Assembly of the United Nations. When the Vatican leaves the United Nations, it will be treated as a religious body and not as a foreign government. San Francisco has every right to treat the Vatican as a foreign government meddling in its decisions.
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Published by: George Angel
Canada 04/05/2006 04:14 PM EST
This is a matter so serious that it warrants a lawsuit against the San Francisco Board of Supervisors that passed this draconian resolution. The United States constitution mandates accommodation of all religions and forbids hostility towards any. The San Franciso Board of Superviors is seriously in contempt of the religious rights of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and its teachings. This is a direct assault on the Holy Roman Catholic Church. We now see the homosexual agenda for what it truly is. It is trying desparately to eliminate and silence the voice of Catholics from the public square. I pray with all my heart that these blatant bullying tactics are exposed for what they really are. Suppression of freedom of religion and speech. St. Thomas More and thousands of Martrys throughout church history were also exposed to these same tactics. These kinds of tactics will seem to win the day for a little while. But the day will come, sooner than we expect, when democracy, peace, goodwill and the love and mercy of Jesus Christ will win out in the end. Let us all pray while this small storm will eventually pave the way for the Prince of Peace!
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Published by: phil floersh
tucson/az/usa 04/05/2006 03:21 PM EST
The pits of bigotry!

phil
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Published by: Esteban
Costa Rica 04/05/2006 12:29 PM EST
Definetly this action from the government of San Francisco cannot be tolerated, because it is a clear violation of US Constitution principles. It is really worrying to witness this blunt manifestation of totalitarism on the part of American politicians. It is clear that freedom from the oppresion of government is a never ending battle, and therefore from time to time the citizens must stand up to defend their rights which have been won so hard.
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Published by: Tony
DC 04/05/2006 12:09 PM EST
Why doesn't the church keep out of the bedrooms of grown adults?
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Published by: Charles Wadlow
Kirkland, WA 04/05/2006 11:45 AM EST
You are so RIGHT on this one Mike in YARMOUTHPORT. Can I believe I said that?

All of these public servants are Left wing Liberal Demon crats, and hopefully we can get real orthodox Christians to take their spots whether they are from the GOP or Democrats. We need real Christians who understand our orthodox teachings and apply them.
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Published by: Mike McCaffrey
Yarmouthport, MA 02675 04/05/2006 10:29 AM EST
It is good to see the Catholic League pursue this inappropriate expression by San Francisco politicians. Why don’t they keep their noses out of church business? Hopefully the ballot box will be the brest place to control these misguided public servants who seem to forget where they get their authority. It is totally disgusting that they would urge pthers to break the law in pursuit of their selfish agendas. They deserve no respect whatsoever.
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