"Italy vote on assisted fertility...

[YankeyMCC]

will test the Vatican's power"

http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2005/06/12/italy_vote_on_assisted_fertility_will_test_the_vaticans_power/

I would've posted this in LBN but seems like this isn't directly related to US and US policies so I decided to post it here.

And perhaps this will draw some fire but what is reported in this story that a catholic religious leader is calling for a boycott of a democratic process is unconscionable. And sounds awfully familiar, in other words the same as the fundamental islamists calling for boycotts of elections in Afghanistan and Iraq, or the Iranian and Saudi Arabian religious leaders who fight against democratic moves constantly.

[beam me up scottie]

1. Let's hope they keep it up.

This pope has none of the celebrity status of the last.
The Italian people and Catholics around the world aren't going to just roll over and accept everything he says.
Really pushing the envelope, aren't they?
*****
The law restricts embryonic research, limits the number of eggs that can be artificially inseminated to three -- and none can be frozen -- and bars third-party egg or sperm donors. The law also grants embryos full legal rights. Half of all eligible voters must take part for the results to be valid.
*****
Over the years, the church has not been able to sway voters. In 1974, the Vatican supported a referendum to make divorce illegal, and in 1981, the church sought to criminalize abortion. Voters chose to permit divorce as well as abortion.
*****
"I hope that they are influenced by the church; it would be a good thing," Gahl said. Excluding the Catholic Church's voice "would be religious discrimination."
*****
Pope Benedict XVI has supported Ruini's efforts. At an ecclesial conference Monday, he said: "It is very important that Christian families speak out publicly on the inviolability of human life from conception to its natural term, the unique and irreplaceable value of the family based on marriage."
*****
"religious discrimination" ?
Gee, why does that sound so familiar?

"Christian families"?
So now he wants non-Catholic christians to back him up?

Great post, Yankey.
Nominated.