AMERICA - Debate over homosexual unions and their adoption of children reignited

Lima (Agenzia Fides) – The debate over so-called "marriage" between homosexuals is has re-emerged recently in several Latin American countries. Bishop Emeritus of Chimbote, His Excellency Luis Bambaren, also former president of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference (CEP) and former President of Caritas Internationalis for Latin America, has expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage: "Marriage is something sacred. These people may live together, but they cannot be married. This is my position and it is very clear," the Bishop said in an interview with “Radio Programas del Peru.”
Bishop Bambarén has, therefore, rejected the proposal made by Congressman Carlos Bruce to legitimize unions between persons of the same sex, a request to be included in the plan of government called "Peru Posible." "I regret that Bruce has put forward this initiative, which endangers our young people, who certainly are in search of values to build their lives on lasting values," said the Bishop, also showing his opposition to proposals that homosexual couples may adopt children.
The issue of so-called "marriage" between homosexuals is important to society, and for the Bishop requires further discussion: "We must discuss it more, consider it more. We must be very precise in this sense...not opening the doors so that people can lead others to corruption." Bishop Bambaren expressed the need to try and "fully understand" those people who from birth may have a homosexual tendency, while reaffirming his opposition to marriage between homosexuals.
In Argentina, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, rejected the courts' decision to allowing for same-sex marriages in the country. Noting that "since the dawn of time marriage has been understood as the union between a man and a woman," the Cardinal warned that "his statement does not imply any discrimination." He also recalled that the city government of Buenos Aires "has an obligation to appeal." Last November, against a similar ruling, the Archbishop had criticized the Mayor of Buenos Aires, Mauricio Macri, saying that not appealing the case had been a "serious failure" in his duties as a public official.
In Mexico, the problem is presented in a complex form, because in some state within the country the law has already been accepted, while in others the law is void. The Church is not the only institution defending the rights of children. Other institutions are critical of the chaos that may result from a degeneration of the norm within the country. A statement from the Archdiocese of Mexico on January 31, 2010 reads: "This is not a question of religion, but of law. It is not a question of agreements with the Catholic Church, but with the law. It is not the imposition of an ideology, but a case of common-sense reasoning, and in keeping with the ethical and natural principles of humanity and social life.” (CE) (Agenzia Fides 25/02/2010)