Anthony Alfano

DePaul University's 1st Gay Student Body President


The nation's largest Catholic University now has its first openly gay student body president. DePaul University senior, Anthony Alfano, was elected to the post in May, and "came out" last week in the student newspaper. The university supports him. Why did he choose to go public? And when Catholic teachings declare homosexuality to be a sin, how can a Catholic University not condemn him? Alfano joins us on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm. Read the following statements regarding the issue.

DePaul University’s official statement:

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“DePaul University is a diverse place that welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations. Anthony made a courageous personal decision to discuss his sexuality with the university's student newspaper. Anthony is a remarkable young man and student leader, and we hope that his candor helps other young people facing these issues to feel comfortable discussing their orientation with family and friends.”

Mary Anne Hackett, President and CEO of Catholic Citizens of Illinois:

“DePaul has had many events celebrating homosexuality in recent years so it is not surprising that they would support the idea of a homosexual student body president. I think it’s wrong. Homosexuality is against the teachings of the Church. St. Vincent DePaul would be rolling over in his grave. DePaul is clearly not operating as a Catholic University.:

Archdiocese of Chicago:

“A Catholic university, like the Catholic Church, welcomes everyone, inviting each person to conversion of mind and heart. In an article published in the Windy City Times, Anthony Alfano said, ‘I believed, because the Catholic Church was preaching against being gay, that something was wrong with me and that I was inevitably going to hell.’ The Catechism of the Catholic Church urges that homosexual persons, ‘be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.’ The Church also teaches that no one, homosexual or heterosexual, ‘inevitably’ goes to hell. It is a matter of choice.”

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