VATICAN ISSUES STATEMENT OPPOSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

UNCLAS VATICAN 000136 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL VT UG SUBJECT: VATICAN ISSUES STATEMENT OPPOSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST HOMOSEXUALS REF: A. VATICAN 133 ¶B. VATICAN 130 ¶1. (SBU) The Holy See's legal attachi to the United Nations issued a statement December 10 putting the Holy See on record as opposed to "grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons," in particular the use of the death penalty. Father Philip Bene made his remarks following a panel discussion about treatment of homosexuals by governments around the world as part of the observance of Human Rights Day. ¶2. (U) Full text of the statement from the Holy See: Thank you for convening this panel discussion and for providing the opportunity to hear some very serious concerns raised this afternoon. My comments are more in the form of a statement rather than a question. As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person. As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See's position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth. ¶3. (SBU) Comment. The statement reflects previous Holy See comments at the UN opposing discrimination against homosexuals. Lacking, however, is its wider distribution to Catholic clergy and congregations - or to embassies or other interested parties. Although Embassy Vatican has raised this issue several times with Holy See officials (reftels),we came across the statement independently. Embassy Kampala may wish to share it with the nuncio and/or the Ugandan conference of Catholic bishops. End comment. DIAZ