On Thanksgiving, refugees grateful for safety in new community

As Catholics we believe that no one should ever be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation. Accordingly, we strongly support any city ordinance that fosters the respect and dignity of every human being, regardless of sexual orientation, in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations.

At the same time, our constant conviction has been that homosexual acts themselves are intrinsically wrong and against the teachings of Holy Scripture. Our support, therefore, would not extend to any provision, construction or interpretation of the proposed legislation that might seem to sanction, imply or require acceptance of homosexual activity in the areas covered by the proposed legislation, or that might, in our view, undermine the institution of marriage and the integrity of the family.

In its present form, the proposed ordinance goes beyond the prohibition of discrimination based solely on sexual orientation. “Gender identity or expression” is defined to include “behavior” in several sections of the legislation (402.107(n), 406.104 (h), 408.105 (1)). The Diocese of St. Augustine would welcome the opportunity to work with any member of the City Council or group to ensure that the focus of this proposed ordinance is squarely on orientation, believing as we do, that sexual orientation is never a valid basis for discrimination.