In the current debate about same-sex marriage, it is bewildering and sad how the word ‘sin’ has, so far, at least, been left out of the discussion, perhaps as a result of the stifling dominance of political correctness taking hold even among Christians.

Naturally, sin holds no meaning whatsoever to those who have long since discarded Christian ideals. However, to those who still hold dear biblical teachings, homosexual acts will ever remain gravely immoral and deeply offensive towards God. In both the Old and in the New Testament we clearly read that “male and female He created them”.

Same-sex marriage legislation is cruel and discriminatory, especially where the adoption of children is concerned because, unlike the majority of other children, they are denied by law the right and joy of having a mother or a father.

Showing love and respect towards homosexuals does not exonerate Catholics from knowing and following the Church’s teachings about homosexuality. These are to be found especially in the Catechism of the Catholic Church for which the faithful will ever be grateful to the wisdom, far-sightedness and saintliness of St John Paul II.