Cardinal compares gay unions to paedophilia

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

The Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh has been criticised for comparing same sex partnerships to paedophilia

Cardinal Keith O’Brien made the statements in a speech at the Scottish InterFiath Leaders’ conference last month, and then left without allowing himself to be challenges.

He has been criticised by Reverend Donald Reid of the Interfaith Council, The Scotsman reports.

He wrote in a letter to the clergyman, “Given that this was a meeting for interfaith dialogue, it is not good practice for a keynote speaker to make controversial or individual remarks, and then leave, effectively ensuring there was no opportunity to engage in wider discussion.”

It comes after Tory councillor Peter Willows was charged with Public Order Offences last week in Brighton after comparing gay people to paedophiles at a council meeting.