By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Writer The Vatican is opposing a European Union proposal for a United Nations (UN) declaration condemning discrimination against homosexuals because it could lead to increased pressure on states to recognize same-sex marriage. According to a report by The Times Online, Holy See UN Permanent Observer Archbishop Celestino Migliore said that while the Catechism forbids “unjust discrimination” against homosexuals, this proposal would "add new categories of those protected from discrimination" and could lead to reverse discrimination against traditional heterosexual marriage. The draft declaration, drawn up by France and signed by all countries of the European Union, condemns “discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.” It will be submitted at the UN General Assembly on December 10, the sixtieth anniversary of the UN declaration of human rights. Although the declaration will not be binding, gay rights groups are hoping it could lead to a UN resolution. Proponents of the measure say the bill is meant to stop some of the extreme punishments leveled against homosexuals in many countries, particularly Islamic nations where they are often put to death. Franco Grillini, founder and honorary president of Arcigay, Italy's leading gay rights group, told Reuters: “The French resolution, which is supported by all 27 members of the European Union, has nothing to do with gay marriage. It is about stopping jail and the death penalty for homosexuals." However, the Vatican believes that in real life, the effects of the bill will be more far-reaching. "If adopted, they would create new and implacable discriminations," Migliore said. "For example, states which do not recognize same sex unions as 'matrimony' will be pilloried and made an object of pressure."  © All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly/Women of Grace. http://www.womenofgrace.com