If you just look at the rights of workers to complain and act against management decisions this particular management were so wrong to discipline the firemen concerned. They seem to be more mindful of the politicaly correct brigade than they do of the rights of their own workforce to protest.

Now, whether the firemen were right or wrong it is a different kettle of fish. I would say on balance they were probably wrong but they should have been educated rather than punished. I would not blame the firemen at this brigade one iota if they took further industrial action. If that does happen remember that they will be protesting about their treatment and not against gay rights.

Final point. Gay parades. There is a pride parade every year in Manchester. I went to one 10 years ago or more when it was in it's infancy. It was advertised a day of fun for all the family so my wife and I went along with our young(ish) children. It was indeed fun with music, dance, colour and celebtation. Until the floats passed. Call me old fasioned but I would not consider a man dressed in nothing but a thong and chaps rubbing his buttocks against the groin of a leather clad biker family fun. OK - there was only one float like that but I felt the display was decidedly pornographic. Had that have been a heterosexual couple they would have been made to stop on grounds of indecency.

In fact there was an article in the local paper about the local council objecting to the opening of a 'lap dance' club. I object to the lap dance club as well. I have never been to one. I have not been back to the 'pride' parade either.

Cheers

DtG