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				Vatican Sees Red Over Gay Rome

By Frances Kennedy in Rome, The Independent, UK, 13 February 2000

Organisers of an international gay rally in Rome say the Vatican's attempts to ban the gathering have led to a surge in bookings.

Thousands of gays and transsexuals are expected to descend on Rome in July for World Pride 2000, a week-long festival of transvestite soccer matches, fashion parades, aerobic displays, debates on gay issues, concerts and a sexual liberation march which is forecast to bring 300,000 on to the streets.

The Catholic Church has declared 2000 a Jubilee Year, which will bring millions of pilgrims to Rome. Few Jubilee events are planned for the heat of July, but there are special celebrations for Polish Catholics. The thought of Pope John Paul's devout fellow countrymen and women coming face to face with cross-dressers, snogging lesbians and leather-clad S&M fetishists finally stirred the Church into action. Rome was "a Holy City", said Cardinal Angelo Sodano, second in the Catholic hierarchy after the Pope, and the Italian authorities "should reconsider staging the event".

But according to Imma Battaglia of the Rome gay movement, Circolo Mario Mieli: "We noticed a big increase in confirmed bookings and visitors to the World Pride website following the Vatican outburst."

Right-wing politicians are calling for the event to be cancelled or at least delayed for a year, saying it is offensive to allow an "anti-clerical and provocative" event during a year of special religious significance.

"Of course it's provocative and the choice of Rome was deliberate," Ms Battaglia said, "but it's not anti-Pope. We simply want to underline how religions meddle in social and personal issues and oppress people because of their sexuality."

Despite subtle pressure from across the River Tiber, both city and central government have so far stood fast. They have spent billions on subsidies and extensive public works to prepare Rome for the Catholic Jubilee celebrations, and are annoyed at red-robed Cardinals trying to lay down the law.

"I think the Vatican realised the frontal attack was counter-productive, so I imagine they will resort to more subtle efforts to deter us. We remain immovable and inflexible," said Ms Battaglia.