Madam, - Congratulations to Gail Grossman Freyne for bringing some common sense back to the debate on same-sex marriage (Rite and Reason, March 18th).
While clearly an important matter to some gay couples, the issue of parenting and child-rearing is irrelevant to most, and it is quite bizarre that this aspect has been allowed to dominate the discussion so far.
Clearly the Iona Institute has had considerable success in setting the agenda for this debate. It is interesting to discover, therefore, that its own research does not support the argument it seeks to make. The institute repeatedly asserts that the State favours marriage primarily to create a suitable environment for child-rearing, yet its research has found that those who support this view are outnumbered two-to-one by those who see marriage essentially as an affirmation of a couple's love and commitment to each other.
With the Government due to initiate its civil partnership legislation in the coming weeks, it is time to focus on the real issues - equality and fairness, social stability and allowing gay couples the security they deserve. - Yours, etc,
STEVEN C. FFEARY-SMYRL,
Sydenham Terrace,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.