JOHN Maden writes (ViewPoints, May 30) on behalf of Oxford UKIP Committee to make complimentary remarks about Paul Marlow’s excellent letter (ViewPoints, May 23).

Can we hope that the committee is in agreement with Paul, that marriage has always been only between a man and a woman?

The majority of religious denominations have already rejected same sex marriage.

While the persecution of gays exists to a disgraceful level among the general public, the law, in fact, today offers gays in some cases, more protection than it does to those who wish to stand up for their religious beliefs.

If same-sex marriage becomes lawful, gays participating in mock marriages will draw even more of the wrong kind of attention and even more children will have to cope with problems that have nothing to do with a normal childhood.

Psychiatrists and the social services will have to deal with many more emotionally damaged people, robbed of the security of their own mum and dad.

Gay lifestyles are an adult choice.

Children need the security of a normal family life, where they will be loved as God created them to be.

Today, two friends of the same sex sharing a flat will be assumed to be gay while their friendship is the need for pure comradeship and love of each other’s company.

What a sad world we live in today, when all there is is sex.

ALBA THORNING, York Road, Headington