Statement of Service
Pope criticised for attack on UK Equality Bill
The Pope has faced a backlash after urging Catholic bishops in England and Wales to fight the UK's Equality Bill with "missionary zeal".
Pope Benedict XVI said the bill - which could end the right of the Church to ban gay people from senior positions - "violates natural law".
But gay and human rights campaigners condemned his comments, and Labour MEP Stephen Hughes said he was "appalled".
Gordon Brown said he respected the Pope but commenting would be inappropriate.
The prime minister's official spokesman said Mr Brown had "enormous admiration and respect" for the pontiff, who will this year make the first papal visit to the UK since 1982.
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February 2, 2010
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