CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – The Roman Catholic Church says while it firmly rejects all forms of violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination against individuals who experience same-sex attraction, it wants to reaffirm that sexual acts outside of the bond of sacramental marriage between one man and one woman, including homosexual acts, are morally disordered.

The statement follows last month’s Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s (ECSC) ruling that struck down the laws that had criminalised same-sex relations with offenders facing the possibility of up to 10 years in prison.

The  ECSC said two sections of the island’s criminal code that banned “gross indecency” and “buggery” were unconstitutional.

The case was one of the five country strategic litigation initiatives of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) which has been working closely with LGBTQ+ organisations, individuals and allies to protect and promote the community’s basic human rights.

The case removes outdated, colonial-era barriers that fuel stigma, discrimination and violence. The Court modified the laws relating to exclude private consensual acts between adults (section 132) and those aged 16 plus (section 133), paving the way for dignity and equality to be respected.

In its statement, the Archdiocese of Castries said that the recent court ruling marks a significant legal development in St Lucia.

But the church said that from a moral standpoint, it teaches first and foremost that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God and, regardless of sexual orientation, is deserving of respect, compassion, and sensitivity.

“The Church firmly rejects all forms of violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination against persons who experience same-sex attraction. However, we also reaffirm that, according to the consistent teaching of Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sexual acts outside of the bond of sacramental marriage between one man and one woman—including homosexual acts—are morally disordered, as they are not open to the gift of life nor do they reflect the full meaning of conjugal love intended by God.”

The Roman Catholic Church said that it is important to note that legal permissibility does not determine moral acceptability.

“The decriminalisation of buggery reflects a legal decision about privacy and personal freedom but does not change the Church’s understanding of the moral order. In this context, we remind the faithful of the words of the Catechism: Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery… they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection”

The Roman Catholic  Church says  it remains committed to welcoming all persons and to providing them with pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and the support they need to live in accordance with God’s plan for human sexuality.

“We call upon all Catholics, and indeed all citizens of goodwill, to treat every person with charity and dignity, avoiding any form of harassment or marginalisation.

”As we navigate the changing legal and social landscape of our beloved St Lucia, let us continue to proclaim the Gospel of truth and love, and pray that our society may always uphold the dignity of every person while remaining faithful to the moral values that sustain healthy families and communities,” The Roman Catholic Church added.

Last week, UNAIDS described as a “milestone for human rights” the court ruling saying “this triumph upholds LGBTQ+ people’s rights to protection of the law, privacy, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution”.