Contentious 'family values' issues that have driven wedge between Labour and Catholic Church

Published on Tuesday 23 February 2010 21:42

THE Roman Catholic Church has for years complained about what it sees an attack on family values by Labour in areas such as:

&#149 Abortion

An attempt last year to reduce the period during which it is legal to abort an unborn child was defeated. Although there was no party whip, it was noticeable that a majority of Labour MPs voted against a reduction.

&#149 Human embryo research

Gordon Brown almost saw a string of cabinet resignations by Catholic ministers after he tried to put a government whip on a move to support medical research on embryos. Eventually a compromise was found, allowing for a free vote at an early stage in the bill.

&#149 Civil partnerships

This halfway step towards gay marriage was introduced as a compromise but failed to appease conservative religious sensibilities. It was perceived as another assault on the sanctity of marriage and the idea that a man and a woman are the best basis for a family.

&#149 Gay adoptions

The Catholic Church threatened to close down its children's charities when legislation passed by the Labour government threatened to force them to consider gay couples as adoptive parents. By refusing to do so, the charities would have been breaking the law.

&#149 Equality laws

The Pope has attacked laws introduced by equalities minister Harriet Harman that make it illegal to show any discrimination against minority groups. Pope Benedict and Catholic leaders in Britain are incensed because they believe it prevents the expression of traditional Christian views on homosexuality as being an "unnatural" relationship and not an ideal one for a family.