Hong Kong's Roman Catholic Church denounced gay rights protesters Monday for disrupting a Mass and complained of a slow police response.

``Catholics have long respected the freedom of speech, but we vehemently object to such cruel action infringing the rights of our followers,'' the Hong Kong diocese said in a statement.

No arrests were made after Sunday's protest.

Police spokesman Mackenzie Mak said officials were looking into the complaint.
On Sunday, eight activists struggled with church officials and six of them shouted slogans at worshippers for about 10 minutes during a Mass at the Hong Kong Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Two female demonstrators also kissed inside the church.

The activists condemned Hong Kong's Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Zen over two recently articles published in a church newsletter against same-sex marriages.
They have demanded an open apology.

The Hong Kong government does not legally recognize same-sex marriages and has said there's no need to change the law.

``It was only a brief disruption but the Catholics officials are supporting a stance that trespasses our rights every moment, everyday,'' said protest organizer Noel Chen.

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