JOHN Blunt (LET, November 26) has almost certainly never been in a disciplined body of men such as the police or armed forces.

His statement that, over the ban on gays in the forces, the government is afraid of upsetting the European courts is incorrect.

The truth of the matter is that those of us who have served in the forces, etc, cannot but agree with the logic of letting gays, and lesbians openly join in these times of equality and fairness.

Equally, we also know that although a sound argument against these groups being allowed to join cannot be put forward, in practice it will not be accepted by the great majority of men already serving.

Inevitably, this will lead to all sorts of problems, resulting eventually in efficiency being lowered.

It is also worth mentioning that the argument above can be applied in the case for allowing women to serve in the 'front line'.

J HUMPHRIES (Mr), Pendleside Close, Sabden, Clitheroe.

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