817. Are men and women equal before God and do they have the same rights?
“Hasn’t God given them both the knowledge of good and evil and the faculties for progress?”
818. Where does the moral inferiority of women in certain regions come from?
“From the unjust and cruel dominion that men have exerted over them. It is a result of social institutions and the abuse of strength over weakness. Among men who have not advanced very much from the moral point of view, might make right.”
819. For what purpose are women physically weaker than men?
“To assign special functions to them. Men are meant for rough work by being stronger; women for lighter work. But both mutually help each other in the trials of a life full of bitterness.”
820. Doesn’t women’s physical weakness make them naturally dependent on men?
“God has given strength to some in order to protect the weak, not to enslave them.”
God has fitted the organization of each sex for the functions that it must perform. If God has given less physical strength to women, God has at the same time given them greater sensitivity in relation to the delicacy of the maternal functions and the fragility of the beings entrusted into their care.
821. Are the functions for which women are intended by nature as important as those conferred upon men?
“Yes, and even greater – women give men the first notions of life.”
822. Since all people are equals before God’s law, shouldn’t they also be equals before human law?
“This is the first principle of justice: ‘Do not do unto others what you do not want them to do unto you.’”
– Accordingly, in order for legislation to be perfectly just, shouldn’t it consecrate the equality of rights between men and women?
“Equality of rights, yes; of functions, no. All persons must have a specific place, and their occupations should reflect their aptitude. In order to be just, human law must consecrate the equality of rights between men and women. Any special privilege granted to one and not the other is contrary to justice. The emancipation of women accompanies the progress of civilization; their servitude is in step with barbarity. Besides, sex exists only in the physical organization, and since spirits can become either, there are no differences between them in this respect. Consequently, they should enjoy the same rights.”
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