live with that. And if they err, they will be forgiven." about politics and universal suffrage: "Politics, democracy. Don't make me laugh. The right to vote, what is that all about? I find it strange that a snot-nosed 18-year-old has the same vote as a father of seven. One has no responsibilities whatsoever, the other provides tomorrow's citizens. " and about prostitution: "If a man thinks he needs sex or is going to explode, it is better to find a prostitute than seduce or rape a girl. At least there are no innocent victims involved". Joos also expressed admiration for Cyriel Verschaeve, a Belgian priest and poet who was convicted as a Nazi collaborator for recruiting young men for the Eastern Front during the Second World War. This interview created a stir in some Belgian media. Upon the fierce reaction of those media, Joos always stood by his comments. Godfried Cardinal Danneels distanced himself from Joos through his spokesman Toon Osaer, while the Belgian Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism threatened to sue him for violating an anti-discrimination law. As a consequence of this interview, Cardinal Joos received death threats. References 1923 births 2004 deaths Belgian cardinals Cardinals created by Pope John Paul II Canons (priests) People from Sint-Niklaas Belgian Roman Catholic titular bishops Controversies in Belgium Religious controversies in Belgium