It has been wonderful to read so many correspondents writing against the recent spate of homophobic attacks, saying they have no place in our town. How right they are. But I would just quibble with one writer who blames New Labour for the failure to tackle the problem.

It has been Baroness Young, a former Tory minister, backed by the current Conservative Party and its leadership in the Houses of Commons and Lords who have poisoned the air with their prejudice regarding Section 28 and an equal age of consent.

The New Labour Government has given a lead like no government before on this issue, believing that ensuring equality between all British citizens is, as the Prime Minister said in a recent debate, "our opportunity to good".

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