Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Head of Russian Orthodox Church Says Gays and Lesbians Must Not Be Persecuted

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church says that, although the Church views homosexuality as a sin, homosexuality is a personal choice, the Associated Press website reports today.

Patriarch Kirill says gays and lesbians must not be persecuted or discriminated against in any way, although the Church still opposes same-sex marriage.

The patriarch's statements -- a breakthrough for the Russian Orthodox Church -- were made during a meeting today with visiting Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland.

Several high-profile Russian politicians have spoken against gay rights. Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has described homosexuality as "satanic" and has blamed homosexuals for spreading AIDS.

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