CATHOLIC PORTUGAL

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12476, 12 February 1935, Page 6

CATHOLIC PORTUGAL

LEGISLATION TO EXTEND CHURCH ACTIVITIES

BAN ON FREEMASONS

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) LISBON Feb. 10.

Senator Jose Cabral, the gaol director, introduced a bill into the Assembly proposing that army, navy officers, and civil servants who are Freemasons must resign their posts or lodge membership, in order “to destroy for all time the menace of Freemasonry.” The bill provides that lodge meetings must be held publicly. books and correspondence must be open to Government inspection, and (symbols and codes are prohibited. The Assembly generally favors the bill.

Senator Pinheiro Torres introduced constitutional amendments tending to extend Catholicism, including Catholic tuition in all schools and the abolition of the divorce laws.

Another deputy declared that the Republican constitution had treated the Catholic Church like o dog. God. must he re-established in the tamily, the school, and the constitution to save the country from ruin. Another bill indicates a drive against illiteracy. Siyty per cent, of the population are unable to read or write. The plan provides for the installation of 40,000 radio receiving sets. Every city and village square will be surrounded by chair,•> and tabes for listenens-in to lessons. The cost of t-he scheme is £150,000.