Pennsylvania HB300/SB300 - "unjust discrimination" toward families

With regard to to those who have "deep-seated homosexual tendencies," the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that

"They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition" (CCC #2358).

Back in 1986, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith:

"10. It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church's pastors wherever it occurs. It reveals a kind of disregard for others which endangers the most fundamental principles of a healthy society. The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law....[But this does not include] when civil legislation is introduced to protect behavior to which no one has any conceivable right....

"13....The Bishops have the particularly grave responsibility to see to it that their assistants in the ministry, above all the priests, are rightly informed and personally disposed to bring the teaching of the Church in its integrity to everyone....

"15.... departure from the Church's teaching, or silence about it, in an effort to provide pastoral care is neither caring nor pastoral. Only what is true can ultimately be pastoral....

"16....every person has a fundamental Identity: the creature of God, and by grace, His child and heir to eternal life.

"17....In assessing proposed legislation, the Bishops should keep as their uppermost concern the responsibility to defend and promote family life" (Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, 1986).

While the sponsors of Pennsylvania HB 300 and SB 300 may be well intentioned, this legislation would "protect behavior to which no one has any conceivable right."  Both measures specifically speak of "freedom from discrimination in...public accommodation," regardless of "'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity or expression.'"  We desperately need our bishops and priests to "keep as their uppermost concern the responsibility to defend and promote family life."  Barring men from ladies' restrooms and vice versa is clearly NOT "unjust discrimination."  While the Pennsylvania Family Council has been raising awareness about this legislation, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is silent.  

Of particular concern is the scandalous number of legislators (including some who have heretofore been viewed as "pro life" and "pro family") who are sponsoring this legislation.  Of those sponsors from Bucks County, Representatives Tina Davis, John Galloway, and Marguerite Quinn are also believed to indentify themselves as Catholic - as does Senator Chuck McIlhinney.