Madam, - Richard Gavin's letter of October 29th was a very carefully crafted swipe at non-heterosexual relationships. However, his assertion that marriage "serves the cultural need for social norms as to how we channel sexual energy in socially beneficial ways" in fact presents a compelling argument in favour of gay marriage.
Far from bringing "injurious social upheaval", legislative support for gay relationships would foster stability in a way that could only reinforce the social coherence which Mr Gavin rightly says the State has a duty to uphold.
The sooner the Government's proposed civil partnership legislation is enacted, the better for us all. - Yours, etc,