Can a Catholic defend legal equality?

I would have thought so but, apparently, some in the United Kingdom have their doubts.  Ruth Kelly, The Independent reports, the U.K.'s "Secretary of State for Communities," is a "committed Catholic and a member of the Opus Dei group."  And, some are questioning her ability to enforce the U.K.'s anti-discrimination laws.  (Here is the Telegraph's story).  The (great) Christianity Today weblog has more:

Devoutly Catholic British Labor MP Ruth Kelly is at the center of a national fight on homosexuality. Critics say that Kelly's religious views make her incapable of supporting equal rights for homosexuals in her new post as Minister for Women and Equality. Among the complainers is fellow MP Evan Harris, who told the gay U.K. news site PinkNews, "It doesn't help that the cabinet sponsor for gay rights who, through her religious views, does not support full equality."

Kelly told the same site, "People should be allowed to decide how they live their lives. I believe in a tolerant, diverse, multicultural society where everyone is protected from discrimination. I will fight discrimination, whether it be on the grounds of race, gender, disability or sexual orientation."

But it wasn't enough that Kelly said she would fight discrimination. For the last day or so, she has been hounded with one question: Does she believe homosexual behavior is sinful?

According to The Times, Kelly didn't respond directly, but turned the question around:

Is it possible to be a practicing Catholic and hold a portfolio in government. The answer is yes. Why? Because I am collectively responsible for Cabinet decisions, I firmly believe in equality and that everyone should be free of discrimination and I will fight to the end to make sure that's the case. I think everyone in society should be given the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

When asked again whether she thinks homosexual behavior is a sin, Kelly said, "I don't think it's right for politicians to start making moral judgments about people, it's the last thing I want to do or want to get into." The British press will likely be giving this saturation coverage for another day or so.