For the first time, an Italian bishop stands in solidarity with Arcigay against homophobic violence.
Monsignor Mansueto Bianchi, Bishop of Pistoia, stated earlier in the day, commenting on an episode of homophobic violence suffered Saturday night by two members of Arcigay in Naples: "I believe the wounds to the soul hurt more than the physical ones. But both wounds suffered by Federico, secretary of the Pistoia Arcigay Committee, force us to reflect and must be firmly condemned.". They are a violation of human dignity”.
“"These completely acceptable words are an unexpected and surprising sign of innovation and openness. Finally, and for the first time, a representative of the Catholic Church has spoken out in condemnation of an episode of homophobia and expressed solidarity with Arcigay. We hope that Monsignor Bianchi's statement is a sign of the Catholic Church's renewed attention to the rights of gays, lesbians, and transgender people, and that it doesn't remain an isolated incident," said Paolo Patanè, national president of Arcigay.
“"The attack on our secretary is a very serious matter. We sincerely thank Bishop Bianchi and the Curia of Pistoia, as well as all those who, in great numbers, have expressed solidarity with our secretary for the violence he suffered," said Daiana Leporatti, president of Arcigay Pistoia.
