Sexual orientation law 'hurts free speech', says Cardinal John Tong Hon

A law against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation could infringe freedom of speech and religion, the head of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong has said.

Speaking publicly for the first time on the issue, Cardinal John Tong Hon said the law could breach the United Nations' 1948 human rights declaration.

"Actually, such a law that claims to ensure equality is extremely likely to cause serious infringement on the freedom of speech and of religion, as well as violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the cardinal told the diocese publication

He said the declaration stated that everyone had the right to express their views through any channels without intervention.

He also rejected suggestions by some gay groups that churches be exempted from any such law, meaning they would not be in violation even if they made speeches against homosexuals.

"This would divide the relationship between the churches and society," the cardinal said.