Madam, Did the letter from Ruth Smith about marriage arrive in the Gazette office carved into a tablet of stone? Usually, I can muster a laugh at some of the more old fashioned, reactionary views of some readers' letters but this kind of opinion really does not warrant a place in a community newspaper.

In my view, if people in the gay community wish to get married in a church in which they worship to a God in whom they believe created them and the world in which they live, I can see no problem. Anyone committed enough to a relationship to want to spend the rest of their lives together cannot be anything other than a force for good. Perhaps, by her logic, she would like to ban women who cannot have children from marrying in church.

Her views of the traditional family and the distinct roles of the parents would be laughable if they were not so insulting. I am married and have a child. My husband and I both nurture and protect our child. I have introduced him to as much risk and danger as my husband who is equally as likely as I, to educate him and offer moral guidance. This is 2013. Move away from the Janet and John books Ms Smith!

Sara Herriott, Ross