Same-Sex Marriage and the Catholic Church: A Comparative European Perspective

Abstract

Same-sex marriage has already been recognised in several countries, including Catholic ones. The Catholic Church claims that respect for homosexuals must not lead to approving the legalisation of same-sex relationships. The legal norms in countries are intended to protect heterosexual marriage, as equating homosexual and heterosexual relationships would constitute the loss of fundamental values belonging to humanity’s common heritage. However, the Catholic Church’s position is not monolithic. The supporters advocate changing the Church’s teachings on the inseparability of marriage or the acceptance of homosexual relationships. The paper presents recognition of same-sex marriage in European (and Catholic) countries, shows the links between the position of the Church on such relationships and secular legal systems. There is a discrepancy in attitudes towards homosexuality between Catholic conservatives in West and East Europe. Western Catholic conservatives understood that sexual freedom is beyond dispute and should not be mixed up in political battles over issues.