YOUR correspondent N G Charnley quotes the Old Testament (Leviticus 20:13) in justification of discrimination against homosexuals on grounds of their sexuality.

This gives me a bit of a moral problem, not least because my copy of the Authorised Version continues "both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death". Civilised attitudes, Mr Charnley?

The discrimination, sadly does not end there, even in the Old Testament. Those who may not offer the bread of their God include "he that hath blemish, a blind man, or a lame, he that hath a flat nose, or anything superfluous, or that hath a blemish in his eye". Well, that sorts out the blind, the disabled, and the merely ugly. (Leviticus 21: 17-21).

How about those who blaspheme, or use intemperate language?

An old friend, who happens to be a Labour MP is, sad to say, occasionally given to letting rip with the verbal Billingsgate. He has many virtues, and only this one vice. Is it absolutely necessary for the whole population of Kearsley to descend upon the best room at the Antelope, and stone him to death (Leviticus 24:10-16). And what kind of unmentionable fate awaits me if I dare to "mar the corner of my beard"? (Leviticus 19:27).

I might suspect that your correspondent is engaged upon the ancient and honourable pastime, of quarrying the Old Testament to find quotations which accord to his personal prejudices. In any event, conduct appropriate to first century Palestine is not necessarily the most appropriate way to behave in a more modern society. Especially since a majority of the population no longer subscribe to the Christian faith, and are therefore not bound by either its Scriptures or its ancient precepts.

Cllr Peter Johnston

Town Hall