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If The Pope’s Number 2 Says It, It Must Be True… Right? Pedophilia vs. Homosexuality

The “Deputy Pope,” Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, spouted this complete garbage today:

Many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relation between celibacy and pedophilia. But many others have demonstrated, I have been told recently, that there is a relation between homosexuality and pedophilia. That is true. That is the problem.

That’s how he was quoted in AP’s report, but Reuters reported it similar enough (hat tip Towleroad).

It’s not true. It’s just wrong. It’s the Catholic Church trying to obfuscate their pedophilia problem by scapegoating the gays. They see it as a win-win. Anyone with a brain sees it as just plain evil.

Let’s do a google search for “pedophilia” and “homosexuality,” and ignoring the headlines for this story, let’s see what different sources have to say in answer to the question, “Are homosexuals more likely to be pedophiles?”

The NO’s:

» Dr. Gregory Herek, Professor of Psychology at UC Davis

» WebMD, explained by James Hord, a psychologist who works with abused children

» Psychology Today, “Homosexuality and Pedophilia: The False Link“

» Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance

» Box Turtle Bulletin, citing both the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists

The YES’s:

» WorldNetDaily (Arch-conservative “news” source)

» Traditional Values Coalition (Christian right coalition of churches promoting Bible-based traditional values)

» NARTH (Discredited “psychological” organization that promotes the use of reparative therapy)

» The Interim (Canada’s “Pro-Life Pro-Family” Newspaper)

» Family Research Institute (A “pro-family” anti-gay nonprofit classified as a hate group by SPLC)

So you tell me, who’s word are you going to take? The scientists who have done the research or the religious groups with an agenda?

It shouldn’t be a hard choice. Knowledge always trumps belief.