Madam, - While I agree with the sentiments expressed by Mark Coen (December 21st) I must disagree with his proposal for a referendum on gay marriage.
The unfortunate reality is that a referendum in the near future would put back the cause of gay rights for several years. The number of those who actively support gay marriage is dwarfed by the number who are opposed or who just don't care.
The forces of conservative supernaturalism are too large, too powerful and too well resourced to take on at this time. They control the education system, a large part of the health system, great swathes of the media and a disheartening number of our public representatives.
A confrontation with them now on a fundamental issue such as marriage would result in disastrous damage to the cause of human rights in this country. Politicians, who are generally loath to court controversy at even the best of times, would feel justified in putting gay rights on the back burner for at least a generation.
On offer is the insulting but progressive prospect of civil partnership. This should be seized with both hands by liberals as a stepping stone to a more equal future. While it may fill me with disgust that I am urging such a large proportion of my fellow citizens to accept second-class rights, they are still better than no rights at all.
When the people who don't care (i.e. the majority) no longer regard same-sex civil unions as unusual, then and only then can we hope to go to the polls in order to abolish the discriminatory provisions of our dated Constitution. - Yours, etc,
PAUL BOWLER, Lixnaw, Co Kerry.