SIR – Lynne Featherstone, the equalities minister, seems to think that only religious groups object to the Government’s proposal to change the legal definition of marriage (Commentary, February 25).
In fact, the current definition of marriage, as the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, is supported by a wide range of people of all faiths and none, including not a few who self-define as homosexual.
Since same-sex marriage did not feature in the manifesto of any of the major parties, the Government has no mandate to introduce such controversial legislation. To do so without proper public debate would be profoundly undemocratic.
If Mrs Featherstone is really concerned to ensure that the law reflects the will of the people, the forthcoming consultation must ask not how, but whether the public wants marriage redefined.
Norman Wells
Director
Family Education Trust
Twickenham, Middlesex
Published in the Daily Telegraph, 27 February 2012