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2023: Pope Says Homosexuality Not A Crime

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VATICAN CITY, Italy — Pope Francis called homosexuality laws “unjust,” saying God loves all his children exactly as they are and urging Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome L.G.B.T.Q. People into the church.

“Being homosexual is not a crime,” Francis said in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

Francis acknowledged that some Catholic bishops worldwide support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against L.G.B.T.Q. people and he referred to the issue as “sin.” But he said that these ways of thinking were rooted in culture and that bishops in particular needed to change in order to see the worth in everyone.

“These bishops must go through a conversion process,” he said, adding that they must show “tenderness, please, as God has for each of us.”

Francis’ remarks, which gay rights activists hailed as a watershed moment, were the first made by a pope about such laws. They are, however, consistent with his overall approach to L.G.B.T.Q. He believes that the Catholic Church should welcome all people without discrimination.

The Human Dignity Trust, an organization that works to get rid of these kinds of laws, says that 67 countries or jurisdictions around the world criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity. Eleven of these countries or jurisdictions can or do give the death penalty. According to experts, even when laws are not enforced, they contribute to harassment, stigma, and violence against L.G.B.T.Q. People.

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Antiquated Laws To Justify Harassment

Despite a 2003 Supreme Court ruling declaring anti-sodomy laws unconstitutional, more than a dozen states still have them on the books. Gay rights activists say the antiquated laws are being used to justify harassment, and they point to new legislation, such as Florida’s “Don’t say gay” law, which prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as evidence of ongoing efforts to marginalize L.G.B.T.Q. People.

Homosexuality is not a crime, according to Pope Francis.

The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to laws that criminalize homosexuality outright, claiming that they violate the rights to privacy and freedom from discrimination and are a violation of countries’ international legal obligations to protect the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Francis called such laws “unjust” and said the Catholic Church could and should work to end them. “It has to do this. “It has to do this,” he stated.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that gay people should be welcomed and treated with respect. They should not be pushed to the side or treated badly.

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“God Loves All” Pope Says

“We are all God’s children, and God loves us for who we are and for the strength with which each of us fights for our dignity,” Francis told the Associated Press in the Vatican hotel where he is staying.

Francis’ remarks come ahead of a trip to Africa, where such laws, like those in the Middle East, are common. Many are from the British colonial era or are influenced by Islamic law. Some Catholic bishops strongly supported them as being consistent with Vatican teaching, while others called for their repeal as a violation of basic human dignity.

In 2019, Francis was expected to say something against making homosexuality a crime during a meeting with human rights groups that studied the effects of such laws and so-called “conversion therapies.”

In the end, the pope did not meet with the groups after word of the audience leaked. Instead, Vatican No. 2 reaffirmed “the dignity of every human being and the prohibition of all forms of violence.”

There was no indication that Francis was now speaking out against such laws because his more conservative predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, died recently. The subject had never been raised in an interview before, but Francis eagerly responded, citing statistics about the number of countries where homosexuality is illegal.

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A Difference Between Crime And Sin

Pope Francis said on Tuesday that there should be a difference between a crime and a sin when it comes to homosexuality. According to church teaching, homosexual acts are sinful or “intrinsically disordered,” but gay people must be treated with dignity and respect.

While joking with himself, Francis stated, “It’s not a crime. True, but it is a sin. Okay, but first, let’s define the difference between a sin and a crime.”

“It’s also a sin not to be charitable to one another,” he added.

Francis has not changed the church’s teaching on homosexuality, which has long enraged gay Catholics. However, he has made reaching out to L.G.B.T.Q. People a hallmark of his pontificate.

Although the pope’s remarks did not specifically address transgender or nonbinary people, only homosexuality, advocates for greater L.G.B.T.Q and inclusion in the Catholic Church hailed the pope’s remarks as a watershed moment.

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A Message To World Leaders

“His historic statement should send a message to world leaders and millions of Catholics worldwide: L.G.B.T.Q. People deserve to live in a world free of violence and condemnation, with more kindness and understanding,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and C.E.O. of the G.L.A.A.D. advocacy group in the United States.

According to New Ways Ministry, a Catholic L.G.B.T.Q. Advocacy groups and the church hierarchy’s silence on such laws have had disastrous consequences, perpetuating such policies and fueling violent rhetoric against L.G.B.T.Q. People.

“The pope is reminding the church that how people treat one another in the social world is far more morally important than what people may do in the privacy of a bedroom,” said the group’s executive director, Francis DeBernardo, in a statement.

One of the cardinals recently appointed by the Pope, Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, is among those Catholics who want the church to go even further and fully welcome L.G.B.T.Q. People, even if they are sexually active.

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No Room For Hatred

“It is a demonic mystery of the human soul why so many men and women have a profound and visceral animus toward members of the L.G.B.T. communities,” McElroy wrote in the Jesuit publication America on Tuesday. “In the face of bigotry, the church’s primary witness must be one of embrace rather than distance or condemnation.”

Pope Francis has repeatedly and publicly ministered to the gay and transgender communities, beginning with his famous 2013 declaration, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about a purportedly gay priest. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, he advocated for legal protections for same-sex couples rather than approving gay marriage, which Catholic doctrine forbids.

Despite such outreach, the Catholic gay community chastised Francis for a 2021 decree from the Vatican’s doctrine office that stated the church could not bless same-sex unions.

In 2008, the Vatican refused to sign a United Nations declaration calling for decriminalizing homosexuality, claiming that the text went beyond its original scope. The Vatican urged countries at the time to avoid “unjust discrimination” against gay people and to abolish penalties against them.

SOURCE – (AP)

 

 

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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June UK Inflation Remains at the 2% Target, with a Potential rate cut on the “Knife Edge.”

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Kin Cheung

(VOR News) – Inflation in the United Kingdom stayed constant at the target rate of 2% that was established by the Bank of England in the year leading up to June, as indicated by official figures that were issued on Wednesday.

It is possible that this result will be sufficient for policymakers to accomplish their goal of lowering the cost of borrowing money the following month.

The Office of National Statistics reports that the hospitality business, which includes establishments such as hotels and restaurants, was responsible for the most substantial upward contribution to the annualized inflation rate.

A number of analysts are of the opinion that the increased pricing can be attributable to the fact that Taylor Swift is now on tour in the United Kingdom.

The clothing and footwear business, which had extensive sales throughout the month, was the sector that made the most substantial contribution to the fall in sales.

When the flat number was compared to June of the previous year, it was slightly higher than what was projected to be the case. In the majority of instances, analysts had anticipated a modest fall to 1.9% of the total economy.

July 2021 was the last time inflation reached 2%.

Before the price increase began. As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, supply chain concerns initially occurred. The increase in energy costs was attributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The situation was exacerbated by both of these factors.

The financial markets are anticipating that the decision about whether or not the Bank of England will decrease its main interest rate from 5.25% on August 1 will be something of a close call. Both of these decisions are expected to be made on August 1.

There are a number of policymakers who continue to voice concern regarding the extent of price rises in the vital services sector as well as the rate of wage increases. Both of these factors significantly increase the likelihood of a return in inflation in the event that interest rates are decreased too recently.

The deputy chief economist of abrdn, which was formerly known as Aberdeen Asset Management, stated that “Today’s inflation report will keep the Bank of England’s August rate decision on a knife edge because of the uncertainty surrounding it.”

Abrdn employee Luke Bartholomew made this inflation statement.

“More fundamentally, the persistent stickiness of service inflation will leave the Bank wondering how long inflation will remain at the 2% target,” according to the official statement.

In order to battle the quick development in inflation, which reached a peak of more than 11% in late 2022, the Bank of England, along with the Federal Reserve of the United States and other central banks, swiftly increased interest rates in late 2021 from near zero. This was done in order to counteract the rapid growth in inflation.

The British economy, on the other hand, has been slowed down by increased interest rates, which have contributed to the reduction of inflation by making it more expensive to borrow money.

There has been very little improvement in the economy of the United Kingdom since the recovery from the epidemic.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has underlined that the key purpose of his Labour government would be to increase the pace of economic growth in the United Kingdom.

This is the primary objective that he desires to achieve. An statement addressing the goals that his government has for the coming year is going to be made later on Wednesday and will be made public.

According to Starmer, the measures that were disclosed in the King’s Speech to Parliament will “create wealth for people up and down the country” and “take the brakes off Britain” by stimulating economic growth. This is what Starmer believes will happen.

SOURCE: USN

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Exit Polls in UK Show Labour Party Headed for Landslide Victory

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Exit Polls in UK Show Labour Party Headed for Landslide Victory

An exit poll indicated that, following 14 years of political and economic turmoil, voters would punish the governing Conservatives by handily electing the UK’s Labour Party to a landslide victory in Friday’s parliamentary election.

Moments after the polls closed, the results of the survey showed that Keir Starmer, the head of the center-left Labour party, will become the next prime minister of the nation. He will confront a jaded public that is eager for change in the face of a depressing economy, growing institutional mistrust, and a deteriorating social cohesion.

The Conservatives were in shock by their historic setback, which would leave the party in disarray and probably lead to a leadership contest against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Thousands of election workers were tallying millions of ballot papers at counting stations across the nation.

In the last hours before voting closed, London voter James Erskine expressed optimism for change, saying, “Nothing has gone well in the last 14 years.” “I just think there could be a huge change here, and that’s what I’m hoping for.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stokes controversy

Though many of the same populist undercurrents flow in Britain, the proposed result seems to defy recent rightward electoral changes in Europe, especially in France and Italy.

With his party’s anti-immigrant “take our country back” stance, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has stoked controversy and undermined support for the Conservatives, who already faced bleak chances.

The exit poll indicates that Labour will take around 410 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, while the Conservatives will hold 131 seats. The Tories would have the fewest seats in their almost 200-year history, which would leave the party in chaos.

Some smaller parties, such as the moderate Liberal Democrats and Reform UK, seemed to have done well, which may be an indication of the unstable public mood and dissatisfaction with the system. One significant unanswered question was whether Farage’s hard-right party would be able to leverage its popularity to win more than a few seats in Parliament.

Labour Party politicians wary

The survey revealed “a catastrophic result in historic terms for the Conservative Party,” according to former Conservative leader William Hague. Nevertheless, Labour Party politicians were wary due to years of disillusionment.

Deputy leader Angela Rayner told AP News, “The exit poll is encouraging, but obviously we don’t have any of the results yet.”

Ipsos, a pollster, asks participants at a number of polling places to complete a duplicate ballot that represents their voting behavior. Typically, it offers a trustworthy but imprecise forecast of the result.

British voters cast paper votes, writing their selections in pencil, which are subsequently tallied by hand. We anticipate having final results by Friday morning.

A series of stormy years in Britain, some of which the Conservatives created and some of which they did not, have left many voters with doubts about the future of their nation.

The COVID-19 epidemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union all hurt the economy, yet lockdown parties hosted by then-prime minister Boris Johnson and his staff infuriated the public.

Source: AP

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Former Top Northern Irish Politician Jeffrey Donaldson To Stand Trial Over Alleged Sex Offenses

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Jeffery Donaldson | CNN Image

Jeffrey Donaldson, the former head of Northern Ireland’s most famous pro-union party, will face trial on charges of previous sex offenses, including one of rape.

Donaldson went before a preliminary inquiry on Wednesday, which agreed to proceed with a trial set for September 10, according to a statement issued to CNN by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS).

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Donaldson | CNN image

Former Top Northern Irish Politician Jeffrey Donaldson To Stand Trial Over Alleged Sex Offenses

Donaldson resigned as head of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in March after being accused with 11 sexual charges.

The lawmaker has since been charged with an additional seven counts. The 18 alleged acts include one allegation of rape, 13 charges of indecent assault on a female youngster, and four counts of gross indecency toward a kid.

Donaldson was asked in court whether he wanted to speak about the charges, according to PA Media. “Not at this stage,” he said, according to the news agency.

Eleanor Donaldson, his wife, is also scheduled to stand trial in September. She has been charged with one count of helping and abetting rape, three counts of aiding and abetting assault on a female child, and one count of cruelty to a person under 16.

Donaldson led the DUP from 2019 through much of the contentious Brexit process, frequently expressing his opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, a vital component of the Brexit withdrawal agreement that ensured there would be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Donaldson and his wife have already denied all claims, according to Irish national network RTÉ on Wednesday.

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Jeffery Donaldson | CNN Image

Former Top Northern Irish Politician Jeffrey Donaldson To Stand Trial Over Alleged Sex Offenses

Donaldson’s trial was announced as Northern Ireland residents prepared to vote in the UK general election. Northern Ireland, one of the UK’s four devolved nations, has 18 members in the Westminster parliament. Northern Irish politicians can run for a seat in Westminster or the devolved legislature, the Northern Ireland Assembly. Sinn Féin, the leading nationalist party, does not take up their seats in Westminster if elected.

Donaldson was set to run again in the Lagan Valley constituency, but former DUP party colleague Jonathan Buckley has replaced him.

SOURCE – (CNN)

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