Pope Francis, head of the worldwide Catholic Church, is speaking out against global laws that criminalize homosexuality, calling them “unjust.” He spoke with the Associated Press about his belief that God loves all his children, and that Catholic bishops need to stop discriminating against LGBTQ people.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis told AP.
He clarified in the interview that he believes it's a sin but not a criminal act. This is the first time a pope has spoken on laws like these. Francis is known for his stance that the Catholic Church should welcome everyone.
According to AP and the Human Dignity Trust, about 67 countries worldwide criminalize same-sex relationships or activity. Some of these laws can or do impose death penalties.
In the US, more than a dozen states still have anti-sodomy laws, despite a 2003 Supreme Court ruling that calls them unconstitutional.
“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,” Francis told the outlet.
In his interview, he stressed that the distinction between sin and crime needs to be observed in regard to homosexuality.
“It’s not a crime,” he said.
"Yes, but it’s a sin," he continued. "Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime."
He later added that it’s "also a sin to lack charity with one another."
