The remarks by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone suggesting a link between child abuse and homosexuality are groundless and offensive. This message was conveyed by the Dutch ambassador to the Holy See in a meeting with a high-ranking representative of the Vatican.

‘Over the years, the Netherlands has done a great deal internationally to eliminate persecution and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen. ‘In that light I regard the cardinal’s remarks as deeply unfortunate.’

On the initiative of the Netherlands and France, 67 UN member states have signed a declaration aimed at ending the criminalisation of homosexuality around the world. In the years ahead, the Netherlands is committed to bringing more signatories on board.

Although the Vatican has not signed the declaration, representatives of the Holy See have, at the urging of the Netherlands and other countries, spoken out against the imposition of criminal penalties on homosexuals.



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