SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - Latin American bishops at a regional conference said they are concerned that international organizations are pressuring governments to legislate against Roman Catholic values.
In closing their three-day conference Wednesday, the Catholic bishops from 25 countries said governments are being lobbied to approve laws in favor of gay rights, divorce and abortion.
"Latin American governments have been pressured to legislate against Christian family unity by strong groups like the United Nations and the European Union who want to impose their experiences here," said Monsignor Carlos Aguiar of Mexico, president of the Catholic council for Latin America.
He also said a conference declaration warned against the lobbying efforts of nongovernment organizations, but he did not name any group.
Though specifics of the declaration weren't disclosed, it was expected to reiterate the Catholic Church's stance against abortion, gay marriages and relations, genetic embryo manipulation, divorce and euthanasia, among other issues.
The declaration is to be disclosed by the Vatican at an unspecified future date, and then will be presented to regional governments, parliaments and civil society groups.
Abortion is illegal in every Latin American country except Cuba. Divorce is recognized in most countries of the region, while gay marriages are largely outlawed, as well as gays' rights to adopt children.