Before his election as Pope, Benedict was head of the Vatican office investigating priestly sex abuse. When Boston’s scandal broke in 2002, the Times writes, Benedict was one of many Vatican officials who accused the press of blowing the issue out of proportion. Andrew Sullivan points out that this pattern – preferring to protect the clergy instead of children – is nothing new:
But what staggers me is once again the immediate, visceral circling of the wagons – when what is being revealed – again! – is a pattern of criminal abuse, aided and abetted by a powerful elite, led by the Pope himself. If this were a secular institution, the police would move in and shut it down.
Elsewhere…
D.C. – Nancy Pelosi, you promised us an ENDA vote! LGBT members of congress are still optimistic we’ll get a vote before March is over, but are they just lying/being overly optimistic? (Bilerico Project, Queerty)
D.C. – DADT repeal rally on Thurdsay, with Kathy Griffin. (Towleroad)
California – LAPD cracks down on outdoor sex in public parks. Sry guys, guess you’ll just have to leave your curtains open, instead. (Towleroad)
New York – Father Robert Carter, gay priest, civil rights activist, and founder of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, is dead at 82. (Towleroad)
New York – Much of the New York City political establishment to appear at a rally in Queens to denounce last week’s gang beating of a man who’d attended an LGBT event at a local restaurant. (Towleroad)
Teh Interwebs – Scott Lively asks Russia: “Would you like some violent homophobia with your characterization of American gays as a criminal syndicate?” (Pam’s House Blend)