So apart from Mr Deller's ignorance regarding the unacceptable human rights records of many countries on the issue of homosexuality, he also regards himself as *normal*. The inference left to be drawn of course being that homosexuals are abnormal. Not homophobic - I think you are arguing against yourself, sir!

As for Michael Rigby not needing to go on a *bloody* march to prove his heterosexuality - if so why does he feel the need to place a web statement advertsisng his sexuality, read by thousands , in the Sunday Times newspaper - arguing against yourself , I think, sir!

Chris, Washington, DC

Thomas, I totally concur with you. I'm an ex-pat Brit (now an U.S. citizen living in New York City). If we're good enough to die and spill our blood in this senseless ware in Iraq, pay taxes often more than married heterosexuals then we're good enough to dress as we please, in or out of uniform. It IS hypocrisy and a double standard. If people like Michael Rigby of Blackburn had experienced discrimination and denial of basic civil rights, he wouldn't be making assinine comments about us. He and most like him have taken their rights for granted because they're in the majority, we've had to fight for ours, something nobody should have ever had to do in a decent democracy. This is nothing but homophobia lets face it. Heterosexual men started this war and every other war in the history of the world. They rape, pillage, torture bomb and burn, we don't. They have the monopoly on corruption both political and corporate, nothing to be proud of.

Robert W Pierce, New York, New York USA

Three years ago, the Royal Air Force became the first branch of our military to take part - in uniform - in a Gay Pride when they took part in the Manchester event.

The following year, the Army joined the RAF in Manchester Pride.

Last year, the Royal Navy were in Pride London, but not the RAF or Army. The reason they were not there was, it was said, because it was Euro Pride and the event was too "political".

One of the reasons why the Services should take part in Pride London is, surely, as a recruitment "tool", now that gay men and women can serve in our military and be open about their sexuality.

It was the "recruitment" aspect that led the RAF and Army to take part in Manchester.

What is so different about London?

Eddie Martin, Bristol, England

I think we have appeased the 'Gay' lobby long enough in this country.I am proud of my heterosexuality,I don't have to go on a bloody march to prove it.
Enough.

Michael Rigby, Blackburn, England

“The problem is that Sir Richard is worried that soldiers in uniform will be marching alongside a bunch of blokes dressed as Marilyn Monroe, and this might be seen to be disrespectful to the image of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.”

I'd say that the fact that a bloke, in the U.K., can dress up like Marilyn Monroe in public without having to fear the Morality Police, is something everyone, including Her Majesty, should be proud of, and if I were a soldier, I would be happy to march alongside that bloke, if only to make the point that this kind of diversity is *also* part of what I am pledged to defend.

For a general to say he supports diversity in the military, but does not want soldiers to march for Gay Pride in uniform, is nothing but hypocrisy.

Thomas, North Brunswick, NJ, USA

To: B J Deller, Marbella, Spain"
You say, "Just cannot understand why "gay pride parades" are needed now that homosexuals are not discriminated against."
I assume you do not keep up with the news!
Recently in Iran, two 16 year old children were whipped then hung until dead, simply because they were gay. (that nasty word again)
That is why gay parades are so important. They remind the community of the terrible situations that still exixt in many areas of the world.
Remember, there are "Hate Crimes" - even in western countries today - where homosexual people are murdered without cause, other than being gay!

Luke Bryant, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

As a heterosexual, I freely accept that about 7% of people in the UK are reported to be homosexual. It is a fact that cannot be ignored and these people should not be discriminated against in any way that does not affect the work they do. If the military say they are acceptable for their purpose of war, then so be it. As I have friends who are homosexual (I hate the word gay) I have my opinions and one is that most people I speak with, including some "gay" friends, object to the gay pride parades that are a way of some homosexuals announcing that they are glad they are homosexual. Heterosexuals do not have parades to celebrate their normal state. Usual cries I guess of "homophobia" but I am not. Just cannot understand why "gay pride parades" are needed now that homosexuals are not discriminated against.

However I most certainly do NOT agree with uniforms being worn in such parades without written permission.

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain

I would like to think that armed service leaders would be proud to see their service members maching in uniform during a gay parade.
After all, those gay service members continue to put their lives on the line in the service of free people, be they straight or gay and by the way, the vast majority of gay and lesbian people never dress as pantomine dames.
I suggest a visit to Australia to see police in most States maching in uniform in various gay parades may - with luck - help to remove so much small thinking from people that should know better.

Luke Bryant, Melbourne, Australia, Victoria.

What a pity that someone with as much life experience as the General is frightened of the reality that many of his colleagues who serve thier country are also gay. Is this person a suitable man to have such responsibility - he's appears to be a relic of long gone days.....thank God, whoever, she is. Vic Codling ~ GPA

v.codling, London, UK Middx

No, I don't believe military personnel should wear their uniforms when marching in Gay Pride parades. Here's why: When one wears the uniform, one is associated with the service. Whatever you say or do in uniform reflects upon the service.

Gay Pride parades would seem to be inherently political activities; while I see nothing wrong with homosexual members of the armed forces expressing their own opinions, doing so in uniform would have the possibility of leading the uninformed observer to believe that those opinions are the opinions of the service, potentially seeming to put the services at conflict with the civil power they are subordinate to.

Therefore, it's better for all involved if service members go if they want, but not in uniform.

John Penta, Ocean, NJ, USA

As a former Royal Navy Officer I am with General Dannat and the Army on this issue. Sexual orientation is a private matter and the Queen's uniform, of any Service, must not be seen marching alongside people dressed as a variety of pantomime dames and openly displaying and boasting of their sexuality.

Kenneth Armitage, Suffolk, England

They shouldn't be wearing their uniforms during the parade I have no problem with gays in the armed forces, and may be if they parade in uniform it might encourage others to join up but serving personel should only wear their uniforms when on duty, it's a dress to be respected it's not a fancy dress.

Susan, Barry, S Wales

All servicemen should be barred from wearing their uniform at these events. It's one thing allowing homosexuals into the services but do they really have to show themselves off and bring the service into disrepute. I'm not saying hide yourselves away but to be open about it in such a way can only harm the forces. Why do homosexuals after act in such a queer way anyhow?

kirk, Rotherham, UK

'A defence source said that General Dannatt, who is a strong Christian with deeply held views on morality, was not making a moral judgment on homosexuality'

So what's his problem? If he is happy to send them to die for their country in the farce that is Iraq he should damn well let them march in Gay Pride. He knows they will march in uniform with dignity and respect because that is their training, and more obviously, exactly what the Royal Navy personnel did previously, as the police and emergency services have also done.

tom moncrieff, london, England

IMHO no person be they serving or ex-servicemen should be allowed to wear uniform at any parade/demonstration that has a political agenda be it for Gay Pride, BNP, CND, NSPCC. The rights or wrongs of the cause or its subject should not be the qualifying decision its either Yes they can to all or No the cannot. If you can wear full Naval Uniform at a Gay Pride March why not at a "Stop the City Parade" or at the Peace Camp outside of Faslane maybe even a BNP Demonstration in Leicester.

Bob Head, Mazarron, Murcia Spain

Christians shouldn't be soldiers and fight, but rather turn the other cheek.

George , Toronto, Canada

The "proud2serve" t-shirts, worn by serving military personnel at last year's Pride who were not authorised to wear uniform, refered to the proud2serve.net website which is a rapidly-developing resource for serving personnel looking for information on being gay in the military. There is also a forum for social networking and discussion of issues, such as wearing uniform at Pride.

Paul, Aldershot, England