Letter: Age of consent debate rages on
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.Sir: With what sense of irony were today's editorial and letters (23 February) condemning MPs' refusal to lower the homosexual age of consent to 16, positioned adjacent to the obituary of Randy Shilts? He was derided by some of his fellow gays for advocating an end to 'anonymous multiple sexual encounters' and to 'promiscuous sex with unknown partners' in pitch blackness.
Is it any wonder, then, that there is still a large constituency within the country that remains to be convinced that homosexuality is merely part of 'the varied expressions of sexuality which are an inescapable part of the human condition'.
Yours faithfully,
ANDREW HAINES
Andover, Hampshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments