WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign derided a new instruction to Catholic seminaries to look for "evidence of homosexuality" in seminarians and priests. According to a New York Times article, the instruction is tied to church officials' insistence that gay clergy are responsible for the sexual abuse scandal even in the face of scientific evidence to the contrary.

"The real debate around this witch hunt isn't between us and the Vatican, it's between theVatican and the truth," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "When the church makes gay men a scapegoat for pedophiles, it ignores one problem and creates another. It does nothing to keep children safe or punish criminals."

"The church is not following its own teachings. Jesus told the truth in love," said Harry Knox, M. Div., director of the HRC Religion and Faith Program. "This is contrary to Christ's admonition to love our neighbors with the same care we give ourselves."

Several scientific studies show no tie between gays and pedophilia.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country.It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.