BBC News
September 18, 2010
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11355258
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| Human rights activist Peter Tatchell is one of the key figures behind the Protest The Pope campaign |
Organisers of a rally against the Pope's visit say they want to highlight his stance on controversial subjects including the ordination of women.
The Protest The Pope event has been organised to take place in London as Catholics gather in Hyde Park for an evening vigil prayer led by the Pope.
The British Humanist Association and the National Secular Society are among the groups backing the demonstration.
Protesters will meet at Hyde Park Corner at 1330 BST.
The marchers will then proceed down Piccadilly to Piccadilly Circus, then head down Haymarket towards Trafalgar Square. From there, they will head along Whitehall towards Richmond Terrace, opposite Downing Street.
Speakers at a rally, scheduled for 1530, include the human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson, atheist scientist and author of The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, and the human rights activist, Peter Tatchell.
On its website, Protest The Pope says it opposes Pope Benedict's state visit because "he is going to use (it) to tell us how we all should live and to interfere in our laws. No other head of state would be allowed to do this".
In particular, the movement criticises the Vatican for:
* "opposing the distribution of condoms and so increasing large families in poor countries and the spread of Aids"
* "promoting segregated education"
* "denying abortion to even the most vulnerable women"
* "opposing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights, including universal decriminalisation of homosexuality"
* "failing to address the many cases of abuse of children within its own organisation"
The protester's co-organiser Marco Tranchino said: "The event is going to be huge - there has been (the) endorsement of celebrities and many newspapers. We've got interest from all over the country. We're expecting thousands rather than hundreds."
While accepting Pope Benedict's right to visit the UK and to address his supporters, the Protest The Pope campaign opposes the fact that it is, in part, financed by UK taxpayers.
'Insult to the whole of female humanity'
Mr Tatchell told the BBC News Channel: "We profoundly disagree with the Pope's opposition to women's rights, gay equality and the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV.
"This is not an attack on Catholic people or the Catholic faith. We are critical of certain policies of the Pope.
"When he says no women is fit to be a priest, that's an insult to the whole of female humanity.
"When he says a husband must not use a condom to protect his wife from infection - even if he has HIV - that's irresponsible.
"And when he says that all gay people possess a tendency towards evil, that flies in the face of the Christian gospel of love and compassion.
"We know that many Catholics share our concerns. Only 5% of Catholics in this country agree with the Pope's ban on contraception. Only 11% of Catholics think that homosexuality is morally wrong.
"So there is a great depth of Catholic opinion which is in disagreement with this Pope and we support those Catholic people."
John Hide, one of the protesters who will be going to Hyde Park on Saturday afternoon, told BBC News: "I am very much against the taxpayer having to pay for the Pope's visit.
"I have also just found out that the Queen has to wear black when she meets the Pope as a sign of deference. That is incredible.
"Security has gone berserk surrounding this visit. I will be going to the march to try to get my voice heard."
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