Letter: Church taboo on tenderness

Sir: Your leading article ("Time to put an end to prejudice," 13 March) about prejudice against gays in the armed services omits to mention that today, as in the past, thousands of gay people have served in the forces with no more problems involving sex than with their straight brothers and sisters.

I served in the RAF for four years in the late Forties and had to keep my sexuality hidden but, on leaving, my service book was full of glowing comments recommending me to any would-be employer written by my very straight commanding officer.

The fear of discovery was very real, however, and could turn a first class airman into a "filthy pervert" overnight. It is time to sweep away what is, after all, nothing more than pure prejudice.

Yours sincerely,

ERIC MASON

London, W6

13 March