We are winning the fight against anti-gay army

This article appears in today's Derby Telegraph:

We are winning the fight against anti-gay army

I've received a number of communications from readers of the Derby Telegraph expressing concern over three critical responses to my letter "Archbishop of York out of touch with modern thinking" (February 8) "Hit back!" they urge, "don't let them get away with it".

I say to your readers, take heart.

Regarding same-sex marriage, we are winning the battle.

Leaders of the three main political parties are on our side. A majority of MPs, reflecting two thirds of the population, wish to see civil gay marriage enshrined in law. It will happen.

It was expected that correspondents like Nigel Tilly ("Try to judge a man by his views and not his origins", February 14) twist my comparison with 1960s racism and 21st century homophobia. On the other hand, I was surprised Colin Clark ("Archbishop of York is best person for job", February 14) descended to making two inappropriate references about my mother.

In similar low taste, Ray Jordan ("What goes on in your home should stay there", March 5) is "sick and tired of reading about you and your lifestyle". Mr Jordan reminds me of Rod Clulow's letter of last year under the heading – "Frequent letters will not affect views of the majority".

Wrong! Thanks to sustained campaigning from LGBT people, Mr Clulow's majority is now the minority. Debate is necessary and desirable for educating the ignorant and is important in keeping gay issues in the public arena.

To all people disposed to join the chorus against my efforts, I'd make two points: you belong to an ever diminishing army in retreat and your immoderate letters say more about you than they do about me.

Narvel Annable

Dovedale Crescent

Belper