In a shocking revelation in his opening remarks, the bishop told the crowd that his former secretary was brutally murdered by a gay activist simply for suggesting that he change his lifestyle.
“I think it’s a positive development that states are free to open up civil marriage for gays if they want,” the cardinal told the Dutch language newspaper De Tijd.
Fears that the bill might be defeated with the help of the bishops were unfounded. The bill passed overwhelmingly in its first vote, 390 – 148 in favor.
Already embroiled in controversy in recent months over issues related to abortion and contraception, Catholic Charities USA has courted new scandal with the announcement of the featured speaker at their 2013 annual gathering on September 15.