The leader of the Catholics Church, Pope Francis on Wednesday called for an end to laws banning homosexuality, noting that “we are all children of God.”
The Pope added that “being homosexual is not a crime” but “it’s a sin.”
He made this known while speaking to the Associated Press, calling criminal restrictions on homosexuality “unjust,” continuing that “it’s not a crime.”
“Yes, but it’s a sin,” he said. “Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime.”
While speaking from Vatican City, he then said it is “also a sin to lack charity with one another.”
“We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” he said, adding religious leaders in the church “must” work to end laws discriminating against homosexuals.
Dozens of countries around the globe have laws in place that criminalize homosexuality.
In 67 countries, there are laws banning private, consensual, same-sex activity, according to the Human Dignity Trust. At least six of these implement the death penalty, the charity said.
Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against the LGBTQ community, and he himself referred to the issue in terms of “sin.”
But he attributed such attitudes to cultural backgrounds and said bishops in particular need to undergo a process of change to recognize the dignity of everyone.
“These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he said, adding that they should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us.”
According to the report, some 67 countries or jurisdictions worldwide criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, 11 of which can or do impose the death penalty, according to The Human Dignity Trust, which works to end such laws.
Experts say even where the laws are not enforced; they contribute to harassment, stigmatization, and violence against LGBTQ people.
Gay rights activists had expressed fears about Nigeria’s tightening of laws against homosexuals.
The legislation, signed into law by the president without announcement, bans same-sex marriages, gay groups, and shows of same-sex public affection.
The new law recommends prison sentences of up to 10 years for anyone who participates in gay clubs or organizations and for same-sex couples who publicly show affection.
“Any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations or directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offense and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison,” the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act says.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
