Newest Catholic Defense - Priests Aren't Pedophiles, They're Gay

Last Night on Larry King Live a man named Bill Donohue employed an unusual tactic in the widespread attempt by representatives of the Catholic Church to downplay the role of priests in the sexual abuse of minors that has been occurring for decades if not centuries. He claimed that the priests were not, in fact, pedophiles as they have so unfairly been labeled, but actually homosexuals. He bases this claim on the fact that pedophiles are sexually aroused by pre-pubescent children, but most of the priests who have been accused of improper or criminal behavior targeted post-pubescent children, the majority of whom were males. So these priests were not pedophiles but simply gay men who were doing, I suppose, what all gay men do according to Mr. Donohue.

On one hand, he does have a point. Most mental health experts consider pedophilia to be the attraction to pre-pubescent children. Legally, however, a child is someone who has not yet reached the age of consent, which in most states is 18. Therefore, people who sexually abuse children under the age of 18 are legally considered to be pedophiles. Although Mr. Donohue's logic is both disturbing in its sterility and shocking in its callousness, I can see how people in his awkward position might try to deflect some of the negative attention the Church is receiving right now in any way possible.

So maybe we should change what we are calling these priests, as the term "pedophile" might not be entirely accurate. Might I suggest rapist? Molester? Criminal? Perpetrator of sexual assault of children? But not homosexual. A homosexual is someone who is attracted to members of their same sex. As with the term heterosexual, the definition does NOT include a free pass to force a child (by the legal definition) to commit a sexual act. A homosexual or a heterosexual who engages is sexual activity with another consenting adult is a normal human. A homosexual or heterosexual who engages in any sexual act with a child, who is unable to consent either legally or intellectually or emotionally, is a criminal.

So, Mr. Donohue, let's not lump adults who live moral, healthy, and non-criminal lives in with the priests who committed these crimes. But ok, at your suggestion I will refrain from calling all of the criminal priests pedophiles.

Rapist it is.