Archbishop out of touch with modern thinking

This letter appears in today's Derby Telegraph:

Archbishop out of touch with modern thinking

Dr John Sentamu has condemned the Government over its plans to legalise same-sex civil marriage. As Peter Tatchell said: "The Archbishop of York's demand to preserve the tradition and history of marriage is similar to the arguments that were past used by the church to justify slavery, colonialism and the denial of votes for women. His stance brings shame and dishonour to the Church of England."

I find it appalling that, of all people, an unelected African should be telling the elected PM of this country to discriminate against gay people who wish to enter into a loving, same-sex civil marriage which is now approved by two-thirds of the population. These proposals to ensure marriage equality for all couples are for register offices only.

Dr Sentamu's recent homophobic outburst shows him intolerant and out of touch with modern thinking. Dismissing my 2006 civil partnership to Terry Durand as a mere 'friendship' is insulting to our 35- year union.

This bigoted Archbishop wants to preserve the status quo. He wants lesbians and gay men to remain inferior to the heterosexual majority.

Before advocating discrimination he would do well to reflect on the bravery of those protesters who, indirectly, made it possible for an African to become the Archbishop of York.

Narvel Annable

Dovedale Crescent

Belper