Letters: Ron Davies' courage

Peter Tatchell
Sunday 04 July 1999 19:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Letters: Ron Davies' courage

Sir: It is regrettable that Labour politicians and party officials have pressured Ron Davies to resign as chair of the Welsh Assembly's economic development committee (report, 1 July). Their pressure follows his recent revelation that he is bisexual, prone to compulsive risk-taking, and receiving psychiatric treatment.

Mr Davies has shown refreshing honesty and bravery. Surely his candour deserves respect and admiration.

Since a substantial body of psychological and anthropological research suggests that most people are born with a bisexual potential, Mr Davies's bisexuality is nothing exceptional. It is certainly no justification for the apparent embarrassment and shame felt by his Labour colleagues.

Equally unjustified is their response to Mr Davies's confirmation that he is having psychiatric treatment to control his risk-taking behaviour. Acknow-ledgement and openness about mental welfare issues is something the Government is seeking to encourage in new health initiatives.

Why, then, is Labour undermining an MP who has had the wisdom and courage to make the responsible choice of seeking therapy?

PETER TATCHELL

OutRage!

London SW14

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in