Italian bishop under guard

The head of Italy's bishops conference was under police guard yesterday after someone spray painted 'shame' on the doors of his cathedral over his comparison of gay rights to incest and paedophilia.

A police spokeswoman said Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco was being accompanied by an escort after graffiti reading 'Shame On You Bagnasco' appeared at the San Lorenzo Cathedral in the northern city of Genoa on Monday.

Mgr Bagnasco, who was appointed last month to head the Italian Bishops Conference, has been vocal in the Church campaign against legislation that would grant rights to unmarried couples, including homosexuals.

The Vatican says it would weaken the institution of marriage, and the bishops conference last week issued a directive ordering Catholic politicians to vote against it, leading to cries of Church interference in politics.

Mgr Bagnasco, who is also archbishop of the northern city, further incensed the gay lobby with his comments, last weekend.