Cardinal Francis Issues Apology for Statement Comparing Gay Groups to the KKK

Details: Category: LGBT Issues; Published on Saturday, 07 January 2012 17:44; Written by Lara Landis; Hits: 403

Cardinal Francis George compared the LGBT movement with some of the actions of the Klu Klux Klan. The comparison sparked many debates and a planned protest. The Cardinal issued an apology for his aired remarks.

“I am personally distressed that what I said has been taken to mean that I believe all gays and lesbians are like members of the Klan. I do not believe that; it is obviously not true. Many people have friends and family members who are gay or lesbian, as have I. We love them; they are part of our lives, part of who we are. I am deeply sorry for the hurt that my remarks have brought to the hearts of gays and lesbians and their families".

'I can only say that my remarks were motivated by fear for the Church's liberty. This is a larger topic that cannot be explored in this expression of personal sorrow and sympathy for those who were wounded by what I said', said the Cardinal in his apology.

His apology has caused a number of groups planning protests against the Cardinal to cancel their plans. The Gay Liberation Network also called off its plans, but expressed concernes with the apology the cardnial issued. A spokesperson for the group called the apology an extremely passive. He said that the cardinal could have picked up the phone and actually called an LGBT journalist.

Cardinal Francis's statements aired on a Chicago Fox affiliate in December.

Sources:

Cardinal Francis Issues an Apology

Gay Liberation Network Cancels Protest