Quality of parenting, not gender, is what matters when rearing children

Robert Pierse writes that he is opposed to same-sex marriage “as a father, solicitor and counsellor” (Letters, March 17).

However, his letter does not say what affect his experience as a solicitor or counsellor has had on this decision. He outlines a range of legal provisions and what he says about those laws is incontrovertible, but it has no relevance to one’s voting decision either way. None of it represents a reason for voting no.

The proposed referendum provision will have a significant impact on the law and on the lives of many gay people, but it puts forward a simple question: should gay couples be allowed to marry? No legal knowledge or explanation is required.