Massachusetts Bishops: Weak on Transgenderism

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BRAINTREE, Mass. (ChurchMilitant.com) - The Catholic bishops of Massachusetts have released what some think is an issue-neutral statement with regard to the recently passed law promoting transgenderism in the state.

In the bishops' statement, given on behalf of the entire Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the bishops show no real opposition to transgender ideology.

"The understanding of and respect for transgender persons has only recently commanded widespread attention. We urge respect in this discussion for all those whose rights require protection."

"In our parishes, schools, and other institutions," the statement continues, "the Church will respect the civil law while upholding the principles of our faith and our religious freedom."

No mention was made of Catholic teaching on the issue of transgenderism nor any indication the bishops will fight the transgender law in any way.

The law, signed into law Friday, allows for transgender people to be allowed to access bathrooms of their choosing in order to provide what the law calls "public accommodation."

"Any public accommodation including ... goods, services, or access to the public that lawfully segregates or separates access … based on a person's sex shall grant all persons admission to and the full enjoyment of such public accommodation ... consistent with the person's gender identity."

Twenty-three states are currently suing the Obama administration owing to a government mandate that asks every public school in the country to accommodate transgender students by allowing boys to use girls' restrooms and locker rooms and vice versa.

Massachusetts is now the 19th state in the country to replace the words "biological sex" with the words "gender identity" when speaking about the public use of restrooms or locker rooms.

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