In an interview with a Belgian newspaper last March, a cardinal said that it is legitimate for government to establish laws that differ from those of the Church on questions such as same-sex unions, prostitution, and contraception.

"I can accept that civil legislation determines the conditions for cohabitation and the rights of homosexual couples," Cardinal Danneels said. He went on to say that he was not willing to accept a civil union between members of the same sex as a marriage.

He explained: "If the term 'marriage' covers all forms of cohabitation - between a man and woman the same as between man and man - then the word no longer has any meaning." He suggested the use of another term to describe same-sex unions.

"It is normal that civil legislation, which I respect, will not be completely in accord with my ethical judgment," the Belgian prelate said. While the Church's teaching is clear - that homosexuality is a disorder - there is no cause for condemnation or discrimination, he said.

Regarding the civil rights of homosexuals, he concluded, he is prepared to accept the government's laws.

Government had promised in its electoral manifesto before the election of 1996 that it will tackle the issue of cohabitating couple. The words of the distinguished Cardinal should throw light on this issue.