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“Being Homosexual Is Not a Crime”: Pope Francis Urges Repeal of Anti-LGBTQ Laws

HeadlineJan 26, 2023

At the Vatican, Pope Francis has criticized laws criminalizing LGBTQ people, in remarks hailed by rights groups as “historic.” Speaking to the Associated Press Tuesday, Pope Francis said, “Being homosexual is not a crime. It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. … But it’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.” Pope Francis added that Catholic bishops should play an active role in opposing and repealing anti-LGBTQ laws. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation responded in a statement, “Today’s statements from Pope Francis are a game changer in the fight to decriminalize LGBTQ people and also illustrate the work that needs to be done with religious leaders to finally show that being LGBTQ is not a sin.”

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