Homosexuality and the Anglican Church of Canada Diocese of Toronto elected with Kevin Robertson, for the first time, an openly gay and partnered person to be a bishop. Homosexuality and the Anglican Church of Canada In the secular context, Canadian law has undergone a profound change in regards to homosexuality. The last homosexual to be 'sent to prison indefinitely as a "dangerous sex offender" was in 1967. In 1969, the Canadian parliament passed amendments into the Criminal Code decriminalizing homosexuality in Canada. On 20 July 1971, the last homosexual criminally convicted on his sexual orientation was released from prison. On 20 July 2005, the Canadian government legalised
History of the Catholic Church and homosexuality Second Vatican Council directly discussed the issue of homosexuality; but nor did they alter the judgement of earlier councils. However, homosexual activity was frequently referred to in general church documents as "crimen pessimum" (the worst crime). including that codified in 1917. In 1976 Pope Paul VI became the first pontiff in modern history to deny the accusation of homosexuality. In January 1976, he had published a homily, "Persona Humana: Declaration on Certain Questions concerning Sexual Ethics", that outlawed pre or extra-marital sex, condemned homosexuality, and forbade masturbation. In response, Roger Peyrefitte, who had already written in two of his books