At Catholic University, the Right to Life ends at Birth

For once a free speech controversy that's not at Columbia, and one in which the minority opinion raises a point.

Gingrich Speech at CU Opposed
Event Would Violate School Policy, Some Students Contend
By Paul Schwartzman
Washington Post Staff WriterSaturday, January 22, 2005; Page B02

"Newt Gingrich's scheduled speech at Catholic University next week is prompting criticism from students who contend that the appearance would violate the school's policy barring speakers who have espoused positions contrary to Vatican teachings.

"Frank Lankey Jr., 20, political director for the College Democrats, said that Gingrich's support for the death penalty and his extramarital affair in the 1990s contradict church teachings and should prohibit him from appearing.

"Last fall, organizers of an Italian film festival considered inviting actor-director Stanley Tucci to their event, but Catholic University officials objected because of his support for abortion rights organizations.

***
"Victor Nakas, the university's spokesman, denied that Gingrich's appearance violates the speaker policy, though he declined to explain the substance of the regulations. In remarks yesterday, Nakas said that Gingrich's support for the death penalty does not put him in conflict with church teachings because "there's no absolute prohibition. There's nothing that says that capital punishment is necessarily forbidden." As for Gingrich's personal relationships. Nakas said: "He's not a public advocate for adultery. That's the distinction."

***

"Last year, the university prohibited students from opening a local chapter of the NAACP because of the organization's support for abortion rights. After student protests, the university's president, the Rev. David M. O'Connell, reversed the decision. "

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BrooklynDodger especially likes the distinction between committing a sin – apparently OK – and advocating that others commit the sin – apparently not OK, even if you don’t actually commit the sin. This is not unlike the middle Democrat position, of being personally opposed to abortion [usually from guy Democrats, who would at most be bystanders], but not wanting to make it illegal. The Dodger is sure there is a theological explanation for this, and hopes to see it posted.