Manila, Philippines, Feb 8, 2011 / 00:49 am
Church leaders in the Philippines are leading the outcry against the the country's proposed and highly controversial Reproductive Health Bill which would attempt to control population growth through widespread distribution of contraceptives and compulsory sex education in schools.
Local leaders Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa and Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon even encouraged “civil disobedience” among Catholics in response to the legislation, which is currently under congressional consideration.
Although Bishop Arguelles clarified in remarks to the Radio Veritas on Feb. 3 that the intent is not to be “subversive” or anti-government, he underscored the importance of Catholics publicly rejecting the bill. He also defended the bishops' right to “proclaim” Church teaching as the bill makes its way through the country's legislature.
The bishops' comments came shortly after the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines issued a pastoral letter strongly condemning the legislation and calling for local Catholics to fight against it.