PALM BEACH POST

Letters to the editor

Friday, March 15, 2002

Sex crimes not limited to homosexual priests

Many thanks to staff writer Mary McLachlin for including in her March 10 story "Abuse stories shattering church's wall of silence" this important information: "Pedophilia -- abuse of children 12 and under -- and ephebophilia -- abuse of underage teens -- are crimes in the secular world and recognized as psychiatric disorders unrelated to sexual orientation or celibacy."

Homosexuals, whether celibate or not, are no more likely to be pedophiles or ephebophiles than are heterosexuals. Allowing Roman Catholic priests to marry would not cure these psychiatric conditions, which can be found among heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual men and women whether married, partnered or single.

The Vatican is mistaken if it believes that preventing gay men from being ordained will eliminate these psychiatric disturbances. One has nothing to do with the other.

RICHARD T. NOLAN

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