Sir, – In response to Michael Austin's letter (February 6th), I cannot claim to know William Wilberforce's "motives and intentions" towards same-sex marriage; however, I do know that my Christian convictions of "universal human dignity" fuels my support of marriage equality. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD SCRIVEN,
Ballinlough, Cork.
Sir, – Noel Whelan (Opinion, January 25th) worries about the "intolerance" of liberal activists who level accusations of homophobia against those who do not support same-sex marriage.
Yet the fact homophobia has been defined as “an extreme and irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people” does not mean that this is the only form homophobia takes: it wears many masks, including that of mild-mannered men and women who proclaim to feel loving concern for gay people, while maintaining that homosexual activity can never be compatible with a moral way of life.
It is neither surprising nor unreasonable for supporters of marriage equality to contend that the arguments of many of their opponents are based on assumptions about the nature of human sexuality and the ethical standing of homosexual relationships that are deeply repugnant to a liberal perspective. There are many in our society who will never accept same-sex marriage, or that homosexual activity can ever be compatible with a moral way of living. They are entitled to their views, and to vote with their conscience, but if they live in hope that those of us who find such beliefs homophobic will refrain for speaking out against them, they should expect to be disappointed. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN O’CONNELL,
Cowper Road,
Rathmines, Dublin 6.