Los Angeles Times
October 10, 1992, Saturday, Home Edition

SINEAD'S ACT ON 'SATURDAY NIGHT'


   It amazes me that people wouldn't understand Sinead O'Connor's dramatic
offense on "Saturday Night Live" ("Catholics Ask NBC for Apology Over Sinead
Act," Oct. 6). Her statement against the Pope immediately draws to mind the
official Roman Catholic stand on birth control and against homosexuality.

   As a Catholic, I agree that the official position of the church in these
areas is narrow, even dangerous. Having recently lost a dear friend to AIDS, I
am all too acutely aware of the pain caused to my gay friend by church leaders'
remarks. That the end of his life was pained by institutional bigotry pains me.

   The debate within the church just accelerated with O'Connor's remarks. This
is ultimately good. And I'm glad that in America a punk like Sinead O'Connor has
the right to say what she thinks, offensive or not.

MONICA REX