Portuguese legislation that would allow gay couples to marry is still far from becoming the law of the land, said a spokesman for the Portuguese bishops' conference.The legislation "still has to be signed by the president, and also there is a question about it being unconstitutional," the spokesman, Father Manuel Morujao, told CNS in a telephone interview in mid-January.
Whether Portugal's constitution allows a change in the definition of marriage is the current debate that President Anibal Cavaco Silva has been avoiding, said Father Morujao.
Silva was quoted in the Portuguese press saying that he was unable to "say even one word" about the issue, pointing out that constitutional law is not the president's competency.
Father Morujao said the nation's bishops had urged a referendum on gay marriage, and he said the issue has the potential to fracture Portuguese society.
Redefining marriage will hurt the "basic cell of the family hierarchy," said Father Morujao.
He emphasized that even though the church opposes gay marriage, "all people should be treated with respect." He also said there might be other "possible models of family."
Portugal's parliament passed the legislation allowing same-sex marriage Jan. 8, and Silva is expected to sign it. The legislation does not allow gay couples to adopt children.
Father Morujao said the bishops do not believe the legislation, if signed into law, would affect Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the country May 11.
"The pope will speak to all God's people," said Father Morujao, highlighting that the pope "will promote the biggest causes of humankind, nurturing the church's principles of uniting all the Portuguese people."
Canada, South Africa, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden already have same-sex marriage.
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