Over the years society has only grown more inclusive courtesy of the efforts of many opinion leaders to represent the often condemned and outcasted. These efforts have been instrumental in the formation of progressive movements that have significantly reduced inequality especially with race, gender and sexual preferences. However, organized religion remains the seemingly insurmountable hurdle for same-sex union advocates.

The most recent example of this is a recent declarative by the Vatican that affirmed the Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex marriages. The declarative reads “It is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage… as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex… Furthermore, since blessings on persons are in a relationship with the sacraments, the blessing of homosexual unions cannot be considered licit.”

This can be considered as a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community for two main reasons. Firstly, Pope Francis is arguably one of the most highly respected and celebrated religious leaders of the 21st century. Much of this adoration is how progressive he appears in speech. He has been quoted saying “homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family” as “children of God.” He has even supported the notion to create “a civil union law” which caters to LGBTQ+ couples. Consequently, the LGBTQ+ community thought him progressive and awarded him support. Therefore, betrayal would be the resounding sentiment.

Secondly, Christianity remains the most prominent religion in the world and if the largest arm of the Christianity community is unwavering on its ruling on homosexual marriages then the quests for equality remains that much more treacherous for the LGBTQ community. Nobody likes the feeling of regression but following this declarative, much LGBTQ+ will surely feel as though they have.