WHETHER or not the Government ought to scrap plans to legalise gay marriage (Oxford Mail, June 11), the reality is that it is now extremely unlikely to happen. David Cameron has invested too much personal prestige in the issue to do a U-turn.

I think Andrew Coles is a little over-generous to Mr Cameron in describing his convictions as true and just. The proposal was intended as a superficial gesture to help detoxify the Conservative Party, similar in nature to his earlier “hug-a-hoodie” initiative. However, the initiative has backfired, and all Mr Cameron has achieved is to draw attention to deep divisions within the Conservative Party.

I find it difficult to regard this issue as one of social justice. Civil Partnership is already regarded by most people as gay marriage in all but name, and the rights conferred are the same. This appears to be a semantic argument about the name given to the relationship.

There is a mutual incompatibility between the gay lifestyle and certain religious faiths. One of the most dispiriting things about this debate is the way in which both sides in the argument seem to be more interested in imposing their own view than in finding a way of co-existing in harmony. Gays have the right to pursue their lifestyle without being persecuted or suffering discrimination for their choice.

Equally, however, those who choose to follow a religious faith that excludes the possibility of gay relationships, have the right to express that faith and live according to its requirements without being condemned as homophobes.

So long as both sides seek to establish dominance over the other, this issue will never be resolved. Neither side can reasonably be expected to abandon their fundamental beliefs. Both sides, however, would do well to show tolerance and respect towards those with whom they disagree.

CHRIS ROBINS Foxdown Close Kidlington