Letter: Mandelson's silence

Mandelson's silence

Sir: I was secretary of the Homosexual Law Reform Society in the 1960s, at a time when all male homosexual behaviour was criminal, and it was out of the question for MPs, or any one else in public life, to be open about their homosexuality or bisexuality even in relation to the law reform campaign we were then waging.

I am utterly puzzled as to why, in this age of far greater tolerance which has been achieved by the efforts of many of us who were perforce "in the closet", Peter Mandelson, extracts from whose biography by Donald Macintyre you are publishing, has felt unable to say: "Yes, I am gay, so what?" If he had done so, this would have deflected all the needless media speculation and publication of prurient details of his private life, and he would also have performed an inestimable service to his fellow homosexuals by demonstrating that our sexual orientation is irrelevant to our professional abilities and our integrity in public office.

I have no wish whatsoever to know the details - or even the existence - of Mr Mandelson's private relationships with Peter Ashby, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, or anyone else. I am, however, extremely curious as to why Mr Mandelson has felt so completely unable - and still is, apparently - to stand up and be counted with other gay men who have done far more than he ever has to advance the cause of homosexual equality and anti-discrimination.

Perhaps he will now tell us.