Madam, - The plethora of parties, pressure groups and religious organisations which attended last Saturday's Gay Pride Festival in Belfast - the biggest ever in the city - is testimony to a growing climate of opinion in Northern Ireland which rejects the bigotry, intolerance and narrow-mindedness of some of the more traditional elements in our society.
It indicates how far out of touch with the modern world is the outlook displayed by the DUP and some churches in their persistent opposition to equality for gays, the rights of women over their own bodies, and the teaching of evolution in schools.
By contrast, here on Saturday we had a parade that was not relevant only to one culture or tradition but which united gay and straight, Protestant and Catholic, unionist and republican, believer and atheist, all within the bonds of a shared citizenship.
Clearly, Ireland, north as well as south, is becoming a more diverse and plural society. Ethnic minorities are growing daily, women are acquiring more power and influence in all walks of life, gays and lesbians are emerging from the shadows, and secularists are sticking their heads above the parapet. All are contributing to a new and exciting melting-pot.
The most successful societies develop diverse cultures, divergent opinions and varied talents for the common good. They recognise the right to be different, while at the same time cherishing the universal values we all share as part of our common humanity. Positive things happen to positive people. - Yours, etc,
BRIAN McCLINTON,
Editor,
Humanism Ireland,
Riverside Drive,
Lisburn,
Co Antrim.