It is interesting that a homophobic person brings children into the debate, casting even further doubt on the character of gay people. (We have moderators and we have gay members, so lies about gay people should come under moderation.)

Everybody's story is different. Many people are marrying who years ago would have had to suppress their sexuality, often with disastrous results. I can never forget the plight of a lad called Bruce, who I was acquainted with when I spent more time in London. He had moved south to get away from his father who sexually abused him. His father in the meantime was rather forthright in his condemnation of gay people.

Bruce never stood a chance and suffered as a result. Like many who see London as a salvation, he moved back to where he came from, knowing he had to keep his sexuality a secret from his father and his father's abuse of him a secret from the family. His health, especially his mental health was compromised.

The removal of stigma of your sexuality helps people to be full members of society, and just like with race, disability and gender, sexual orientation is a part of society, not a problem of it.

It really doesn't help when someone feeds hatred and lies in the way Akenaton has in his post above. if it weren't for doubts as to his understanding of issues, it would be distressing for some Mudcat members to open this thread and read his comments.

As I said, that is why we have moderation, hopefully.