In an interview in Britain’s Guardian newspaper, actor Christopher Reeve accuses President Bush of bowing to Catholic interests on stem cell research. As a result of this alleged obstruction of research, the “Superman” actor says he is unnecessarily confined to a wheelchair; Reeve supports stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. “We’ve had a severe violation of the separation of church and state in the handling of what to do about this emerging technology,” he added.
Catholic League president William Donohue commented on Reeve’s remarks today:
“It is nothing if not slanderous for Reeve to suggest that Catholics are the only ones left who respect the sanctity of human life. While it is true that the Catholic Church leads the way in this just cause, there are many Protestants, Jews and Muslims (as well as non-believers) who feel the same way.
“Human life does not begin at birth. It does not begin at ‘quickening.’ It does not begin at implantation. It begins at fertilization. This is not Catholic opinion. It is Biology 101. Ergo, stem cell research and cloning of all types are immoral.
“Moreover, the line between church and state is not crossed when a president comes down on the same side of an issue that a world religion does. Even to imply as much is invidious: the thrust of this remark is to abet an abridgment of Catholic free-speech rights.
“Reeve sounds more like ‘Stupidman’ than ‘Superman’ when he suggests there is some kind of cabal at work between President Bush and Catholics. The fact that President Bush opposes utilitarian ethics makes him an honorable man and has nothing to do with any alleged conspiracy. Reeve has every right to make his case in favor of embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning, but he has no right to engage in Catholic baiting while doing so.”
