It is not Max Mosley who has dragged Formula One into the gutter but those who continue to call for his resignation as president of the FIA almost a week after he convincingly won a vote of confidence from a general assembly of the organisation's members in Paris.

Mosley's opponents have already demonstrated contempt for the principles of liberalism by insisting that a man resign for actions that took place behind closed doors with consenting adults. Now they exhibit their contempt for democracy by continuing to agitate for the Englishman's removal from office despite their argument being trashed in a free and secret ballot.

After the vote last Tuesday Mosley had to put up with member organisations including the United States and Germany threatening to leave the FIA. Then The Times revealed over the weekend that Formula One teams are considering a breakaway, threatening 58 years of co-operation with the FIA. Bernie Ecclestone, who represents the sport's commercial rights holders, played down the report, but a senior figure at one of the teams confirmed that the discussion had taken place. All because of a man's private sexual preferences.

But were Mosley's antics not disgusting, with or without the alleged Nazi overtones? Are his fantasies not shameful? Well, yes. But being able to distinguish between fantasy and reality is the acid test of civilisation. One is tempted to speculate about the sexual practises and fantasies of those who have been so eager to condemn Mosley for his romp. Have they done nothing in private that they would be unwilling (or at least mildly embarrassed) to defend in public? Have you?

Many commentators have retreated into what they think is the principled middle ground. They argue that, if it were left to them, Mosley would be allowed stay in post. The problem, they say, is that his position has become untenable - how can he perform his job as the head of a large motoring organisation when so many of those with whom he works are disgusted by his behaviour? But this is precisely the argument that was used to condemn and marginalise homosexuals in the 1950s. Would it be legitimate to call for a gay man's resignation because some of those he works with find his sexual antics distasteful?

The general assembly of the FIA should be congratulated for having secured an important and symbolic victory for the forces of progress. They grasped the essential point that Mosley's fantasies have nothing to do with anyone except those who are paid to indulge them. More than two months after the story first broke it is time to end this witch-hunt.

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