IT seems I need to apologise for saying that the age of consent has been lowered to 16, when in fact it isn't yet law.

Allan Horsfall, president of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, was quick to spot this and to point out his concern for homosexuals who may now think the law has been changed, after reading my letter.

Well that's fair enough Allan, but what isn't fair is you saying I am suggesting that any male having homosexual sex with a 16 or 17 year old, is a paedophile.

I said nothing of the kind.

What I did say was: "Paedophiles can legally lay their hands on 16-year-olds, now that the age of consent has been lowered."

I was, in fact, referring to and repeating the words of a letter from Mrs B Stuart. Had you read my letter properly Allan, this would have been obvious.

My concern with the lowering of the age of consent is the danger this can put young vulnerable people in when dealing with older men and women.

There are those who want the age lowering even further. This then would be tantamount to child sex and no right-minded person, of any sexuality, should want that.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton