Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-04-08

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] House expected to decriminalise homosexuality

1810:CYPPRESS:01

[01] House expected to decriminalise homosexuality

According to CNA sources, the House will approve the new bill despite a letter to all deputies from the Primate of the Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos, calling on them to vote against it.

The same sources said Parliament is likely to vote through the new bill decriminalising homosexuality within the one month grace period granted to the Cyprus Republic yesterday by the Council of Europe.

House President, Spyros Kyprianou said at the first stage leaders or representatives of parliamentary parties will meet to discuss the issue, in the presence of Attorney General, Alecos Markides.

In April 1993 the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the Cyprus Republic must decriminalise homosexuality, after a Cypriot homosexual took his case before the Court and won.

The government has made repeated calls on the House to approve the bill, so that Cyprus complies with the Court decision.

The bill has stumbled on strong opposition from the Church of Cyprus, organisations affiliated to the Church, and some deputies.

In the letter to MPs, signed by Archbishop Chrysostomos, the Holy Synod calls on them to vote against the bill as "an act of honour" for themselves and their country.

The Church condemns homosexuality, describing it a "sinful and repulsive act, because it is against the spirit of the Holy Testament and the law of nature."

It supports that the decriminalisation of homosexuality will affect the marriage and family institution, morals and the Christian lifestyle.

The Church calls on all homosexuals to repent.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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