Letter: Portillo's morality
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: In your editorial "Mr Portillo may bring a new public morality" (11 September) you argue that "If somebody wishes to keep their sexuality private, then they should be allowed to do so".
On the same basis, if adults wish to enter into homosexual relationships and be open about it, they should be allowed to do so without fear of prosecution (private gay sex between adults with more than two people "present" is illegal), without fear of persecution (section 28 of the 1988 Local Government Act fosters an atmosphere of homophobia) and without fear of employment discrimination (it is legal to sack someone for being gay or lesbian, and military careers are ended by the revelation). As an elected MP, Michael Portillo voted for inequality in the criminal law, the odious section 28 and for the right to sack soldiers for making the same "honest, open and praiseworthy" announcement that he has just made.
The relevance of Mr Portillo's past lies not in his homosexuality but in his hypocrisy. I agree that "There should be more Portillos and less condemnation," but better still would be complete equality and therefore absolutely no interest.
Mr Portillo may bring a new public morality, but only if MPs like him have the guts to vote for full human rights.
Dr EVAN HARRIS MP
(Lib Dem, Oxford West and Abingdon)
House of Commons
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments