Correction: This article had originally stated that COLEGAS is the “largest” homosexual rights organization in Spain. This is incorrect. It is one of the leading homosexual groups in the country, but it is not the largest.
MADRID, August 26, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – One of Spain’s leading homosexual organizations, the Spanish Confederation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgender People (COLEGAS), has issued a statement condemning “kiss-ins” and other forms of protest carried out by homosexuals against the pope and Catholics at the country’s recently-concluded World Youth Day.
The organization has issued a communiqué not only denouncing the protests, but has called for the “immediate dismissal” of the government’s delegate to Madrid, Dolores Carrión, for allowing the vulgar protests to take place.
The organization noted its differences with the Catholic Church on sexual morals and condoms, but added, “we cannot remain in silence in the face of the violent events against some pilgrims.”
“Whether or not we accept their message, they have come in peace and the public celebration of their faith,” added COLEGAS.
According to COLEGAS the homosexual protesters, who are “profusely subsidized by certain public administrations,” are actually “strongly and violently anticlerical and want to impose their unique way of seeing the world, where there is no liberty or space for religion, not only in the government, but in all facets of public life.”
COLEGAS President Rafael Salazar told the La Vanguardia newspaper during the event that “some of the gay and lesbian groups who are carrying out gratuitous provocations with kisses and distribution of condoms to the pilgrims, and are the same who are always asking for respect, tolerance, and acceptance.”
“How would they react if the government were to accept a counter-protest during Gay Pride in the same Plaza de Chueca out of respect for differing opinions on homosexuality or homosexual marriage?” he asked, and added that the same “tough guys” should go to a mosque, “and see if they have the gall to carry out the same provocation that they do to the Catholics.”
Catholic news sources and blogs have complained that pilgrims were harassed by homosexuals and other anti-Catholic groups with foul language, epithets, “kiss-ins” and promises to “burn” the nation’s episcopal conference.