I WAS surprised and a little disappointed to see that Brian Derbyshire, a person who I normally associated with level-headed, all-round common sense, become embroiled in the argument between S Elster and Mrs Stuart, on the ethics of liberalising do-gooders.

Brian, like Mrs Stuart, you have lumped paedophiles, homosexuals and, one can only assume, people of questionable morals, all under the same category.

Perhaps you, Mrs Stuart, and, for that matter, anyone with the same misguided extreme views could answer the following questions.

Why do you class homosexuals along with paedophiles?

Do you or Mrs Stuart presume that your morals are considerably higher than all homosexuals?

Do you both genuinely believe that a section of the community should be discriminated against purely on the grounds of their sexuality?

Do you think that 16-year-old youths are more at risk from predatory homosexual men now than 16-year-old girls were at risk from predatory heterosexual men previously?

I would be very intrigued to hear your replies.

You also both seem to harbour doubts about the political system of this country questioning the wish of the majority.

It would probably come as a surprise to you both that 68 per cent of people interviewed had no objection to the age of consent being lowered -- one would also presume that 68 per cent of those not interviewed would have the same opinion.

You see, the politicians do sometimes get it right, but not all of the people agree all of the time.

This has become a very diverse and cosmopolitan country, and, generally speaking, a very fair one.

Occasionally, we have to be reminded by our European counterparts that our policies on human rights have fallen short of that expected of a so-called civilised nation in the 21st Century.

While I would always defend a person's right to their opinion, sometimes attitudes are shown to be intolerant or prejudiced.

No amount of legislation would rid this country of racism for example, some will always dislike those of differing colours and races.

But it does make it illegal to air those views in public or incite hatred.

The fear or dislike of homosexuals is akin to racism. Hitler was a staunch homophobe, he was also, of course, a xenophobe and a racist. I'm sure you need no reminding of the result of his views.

Am I to presume that sexual behaviour is in question rather than civilised attitudes towards one another?

What two consenting adults wish to do in private is entirely their business.

As for paedophiles, well, I'm sure this is where we all agree. That is a separate subject, and so it should remain.

A closing thought for Mr Derbyshire and Mrs Stuart, the legislation which you both found so offensive -- the lowering of the age of consent -- was just that, legislation. It was never intended to be made compulsory.

Derek Hilton

Oldhams Terrace

Astley Bridge