Quote:
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Originally Posted by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
"Many psychologists, many psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relationship between celibacy and pedophilia but many others have demonstrated, I was told recently, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and pedophilia."
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One problem with this is that saying "there's a relationship" between homosexuality and paedophilia tells us nothing about the nature of the (supposed) relationship. Does one make the other more likely? Which one? Or are both made more likely by a third factor? And a fourth? It seems to me he's falling into that classic trap of seeing an apparent "correlation" but refusing to analyse it further because it's enough as it is to confirm his prejudices.
Of course that's assuming we can trust the source/methodology of this research in the first place. I have no problem with acknowledging genuine data, but right now I have my doubts about it.
In terms of the cases specifically involving the Catholic church, I've already read several odious posts remarking on why so many of the victims are boys rather than girls, how this reveals the truth about the 'connection' between paedophilia and homosexuality, and how the "PC brigade" won't let anyone admit it (ignoring the fact that their pathetic little comments have been published by the national newspapers). But the point is, surely it's relevant here that male priests are usually in charge of boys rather than girls, and that male priests (men) are more likely to sexually abuse than nuns (women)? Surely it's no surprise that child sexual abuse in the Catholic church will involve more boys than girls? Are people deliberately ignoring these factors?
Finally - pulling figures completely out my ass to make another point here - but if, for the sake of argument, 1% of heterosexuals were found to be inclined to paedophilia, compared with 4% of homosexuals, then yes we could bleat on about how homosexuals are "more inclined" to paedophilia than heterosexuals. But does that 3% difference make a strong moral case against homosexuality? Really?
And finally (again) - remind me again, why should anyone take moral guidance on homosexuality from celibate frocked men in an institution possibly swarming with sexual abuse? What a friggin joke.
Publicity stunt or not, Dawkins and Hitchens have my support in their
plans to arrest the Pontiff when he steps foot in Britain. Just a shame no-one else was willing to step in and do it.