Gay carnival “prince” denied communion by Dutch priest

A Catholic priest in the small Dutch town of Reusel is drawing criticism for his decision last week to deny communion to an openly homosexual man, reports Patrick B. Craine, LifeSiteNews.com.

Gijs Vermeulen, 24, served as the “prince” for the town's carnival this year. In the official program for the event, he was pictured alongside his 5-year homosexual partner, Michael, and it is reported that the description of him focused on his homosexual lifestyle.

Fr. Luc Buyens called Vermeulen in advance to inform him that he would not be given communion during the days of the carnival because of his open proclamation of practicing homosexuality. The priest offered to give him a blessing instead.

Despite a protest, Fr. Buyens held fast to his decision. Vermeulen attended Mass, stating that he did not want to “spoil the party,” but did not approach the priest for the blessing.

Vermeulen has said that he will be speaking further with the priest, the parish council, and others. “This story does not make me happy at all,” he said. “I was raised as a Catholic. I was baptised and I was confirmed. My grandfather and grandmother find the affair terrible.”

Gay carnival “prince” denied communion by Dutch priest