Madam, - It was heartening for us as parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) children to read the sentiments of Fr Seán Fagan SM (August 22nd).
He takes down, brick by brick, the wall of prejudiced and distorted views about homosexuality, and replaces it with understanding, compassion and reason.
Particularly important is the understanding that committed relationships between gay and lesbian couples are as valid as those between heterosexual couples, and are in no way a threat to certain accepted forms of marriage.
Fr Fagan says that no one chooses to be homosexual, and we agree with him. We would therefore hope that all denominations will respect the human dignity of our gay and lesbian children.
Moreover, we believe they have a moral obligation and responsibility, as some of the teachings and homophobic utterances which Fr Fagan quotes could endanger the physical and mental well-being of all our children.
We, as parents, want the same human rights, dignity, respect, and fulfilment for our LGBT children as that afforded to our heterosexual children: no more, and certainly no less. - Yours, etc,
ANN COONEY,
LOUISE O'DONOVAN,
Parent Support,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.
Madam, - Might I suggest to Joe Foyle (August 26th) that less preoccupation about the mechanics of homosexual sex and more with the nature of the relationships might yield surprising and informative results from which the Christian Churches may learn. - Yours etc,
ANGELA HANLEY,
Athlone,
Co Westmeath.