The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly denounced an effort to downgrade the status of the Holy See at the United Nations. The House resolution, which passed 416-1 stated, “[the House] commends the Holy See for its strong commitment to fundamental human rights, including the protection of innocent human life both before and after birth.”
The so-called “See Change” campaign to downgrade the status of the Holy See was spearheaded by the pro-abortion group Catholics for a Free Choice. Of the efforts by Catholics for a Free Choice, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said, “The United Nations operates largely by consensus, and in the final analysis, the activists behind the ‘See Change’ campaign would like to
circumvent that process by silencing a voice they oppose. Today Congress has sent a clear message that this shameful eruption of anti-Catholic bigotry will not be tolerated.”
Catholic League president William Donohue commented on the House action:
“We are very pleased that both Democrats and Republicans alike were able to see through the fraudulent group Catholics for a Free Choice and recognize its anti-Catholic agenda. They are a pro-abortion advocacy organization that has no relationship to the Catholic Church and no definable membership. Yet they seek to downgrade the status the Vatican holds at the U.N. where it has been an active participant since 1946. We are certain the Senate, which is considering a similar resolution, will follow suit.”
