At the Vatican, Pope Francis has criticized laws criminalizing LGBTQ people, in remarks hailed by rights groups as “historic.” 

Vatican City, January 27 (RHC)-- At the Vatican, Pope Francis has criticized laws criminalizing LGBTQ people, in remarks hailed by rights groups as “historic.” 

Speaking to the Associated Press, Pope Francis said: “Being homosexual is not a crime.  It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. … But it’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.” 

Pope Francis added that Catholic bishops should play an active role in opposing and repealing anti-LGBTQ laws. 

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation responded in a statement: “Today’s statements from Pope Francis are a game changer in the fight to decriminalize LGBTQ people and also illustrate the work that needs to be done with religious leaders to finally show that being LGBTQ is not a sin.”

In related news, lawmakers in the United Kingdom have strongly criticized the Church of England after the Archbishop of Canterbury said bishops are set to uphold a ban on marriage equality when they meet next month to determine church policy. 

This month, the Church of England apologized for its past treatment of LGBTQ people and said priests will be allowed to bless civil unions of same-sex couples, even as it signaled those couples would still be barred from getting married in its churches.