Spanish bishops
call for strong turnout in demonstration against gay
marriage bill

Roman Catholic bishops are calling for a strong turnout in a demonstration to protest a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Spain, calling the fight against the legislation a "just cause." The demonstration, planned for June 18, has been called by the Spanish Forum for the Family to protest the Socialist government's proposed law, which would make this traditionally Roman Catholic country the third European nation to legalize same-sex marriages. In a statement sent to Spanish media Thursday, the bishops said, "We find ourselves faced with a question of the greatest moral and social importance which demands of citizens, and Catholics in particular, a clear and incisive response by every legitimate means." The demonstration is to be held under the slogan "The Family Does Matter." Leading daily El Pais said it was the first time the bishops had come out openly to back a demonstration against government legislation since 1983, when they supported protests against education reform. The Socialist government insists the bill does not interfere with the institution of marriage but merely extends legal recognition to gay and lesbian couples. The proposed law was approved by a 183-136 vote, with six abstentions, in the lower house of the parliament and is to be voted on in the senate on June 22. (AP)