Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Brazil have rejected the legalization of abortion, civil unions between homosexuals, and the right to adoptions by these unions, three of the proposals contained in the Plan of Human Rights approved by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The National Conference of Brazilian Catholic Bishops (CNBB) has also criticized another proposal of this plan: the removal of religious symbols from public places, a measure seen as "intolerant" and "trying to ignore the historical roots" of Brazil.
These themes are included in a government plan, approved last month, which made the legislative recommendations for the future development of laws to regulate social rights. The text suggests the adoption of legislation to "recognize" civil unions between same sex and to ensure the "right of adoption" for these couples. Furthermore, it calls on the responsible bodies at the apex of the judiciary to promote campaigns to raise awareness among judges, in order to avoid so-called "prejudice" in the process of adoption by homosexual couples. On the issue of abortion, according to the text, the courts are asked to consider this practice as a matter of "public health", and recommends the approval of a bill to decriminalize abortion, "considering women's autonomy to make decisions over their body." The statement of the Bishops of Brazil is signed by Archbishop Geraldo Lyrio Rocha, Archbishop of Mariana and President of the CNBB. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 18/01/2010)
