Priests allowed tao preach politics

The Mexican parliament has amended the law that bans preaching about politics and pressurising the faithful on how to vote. On 19 June, both the Senate and lower house allowed priests to “orient” their parishioners on how they should cast their ballot.

While the amendments are seen as an advance for religious freedom, there is concern that a ban remains on priests “inducing” an electoral choice. “There has been a confusion between orienting [people on electoral issues] and inducing the vote. The law tries to clear up this confusion of words,” said Fr Hugo Valdemar Romero, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Mexico City. Fr Valdemar Romero welcomed the changes but stated they remained “incomplete” as they did not allow full religious freedom.
Priests found to be breaking the rule on pressurising voters can be punished with heavy fines. Preaching on political issues is highly controversial in Mexico.

Meanwhile, Mexico City has approved a law to allow free access to contraceptives, and the morning-after pill, to those aged from 12 to 29 years old. Chief of Government Miguel Mancera still needs to approve the law.

n Pope Francis is expected to visit Mexico’s troubled border with the United States during an anticipated visit to the country, according to Vatican sources quoted in the Mexican press, writes Isabel de Bertodano.