The Vatican gave a thumbs-down to same-sex unions yesterday, calling them deviant and a threat to society in a fresh attempt to halt the growing momentum toward legalizing gay marriage in the United States and in Europe.

In a strongly worded document approved by Pope John Paul II, the Holy See urged Catholic lawmakers to vote against bills that would recognize gay marriage – a position quickly condemned by gay-rights groups.

“Marriage exists solely between a man and a woman . . . Marriage is holy, while homosexual acts go against the natural moral law,” said the 12-page document by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

“Legal recognition of homosexual unions or placing them on the same level as marriage would mean not only the approval of deviant behavior . . . but would also obscure basic values which belong to the common inheritance of humanity.”

Gay-rights groups quickly shot back.

“This is just the latest move in their homophobic crusade,” said Franco Grillini, an official with Italy’s largest gay-rights group.

Former Gov. Mario Cuomo, a Roman Catholic, ducked the issue during an interview on Albany radio station WROW-AM, saying he wanted a clear statement from President Bush before giving his opinion.

Gov. Pataki has said in recent weeks that he favors keeping the present laws on gay marriage.

At St. Patrick’s Cathedral last night, local and visiting Catholics had mixed opinions on the Vatican’s position.

“Does this surprise you?” said Mike Broker, 50, a Manhattan management consultant.

“The church’s position is backwards. They ought to be more realistic about people’s lifestyles instead of trying to fit people into their doctrine.”

But a Catholic visitor from Atlanta, administrative assistant Rebecca Asteghene, said she supports the pope.

“If you’re a practicing Catholic, I think you have to support the view of the church. Marriage is the union between man and woman,” she said.

Debate over recognizing gay marriages has intensified since Canada took steps to do so.

Gay marriage is forbidden in the United States, although Vermont allows civil unions.

Additional reporting by Fredric U. Dicker and Post Wire Services

Highlight’s from the Vatican’s position on homosexuality and gay marriages

* Condemns same-sex unions as deviant and a threat to society.

* Wants Catholic lawmakers to vote against bills that would recognize gay marriage.

* Denounces gay couples adopting kids, saying it would “do violence to these children.”

* Insists that “chaste” gays should be welcomed into the Church.

* Repudiates countries which favor gay marriages (such as Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands), saying they are inhabited by people with “profoundly disordered minds.”