Letter: Better gay than wed

Sir: If it is true that Conservative Central Office is putting pressure on gay Tory MPs to get married in order to disguise their true nature, the practice should stop.

To try to force these MPs to live a lie, and to drag women into forming deceitful marriages, is deplorable. Because it panders to bigots within the party, instead of confronting them, it is also cowardly. Trying to conceal the truth also runs a high risk that eventually this hypocrisy will be exposed.

None of these MPs should be obliged to reveal their sexuality, but if they choose to do so, their honesty and courage deserves the respect of their electorates, and the loyalty of the party they serve.

Yours faithfully,

STEPHEN PULLINGER

London, WC2

16 February