SIR – Chris Taylor asserts (August 16) that public opinion is against same-sex marriage.

Why does he think this is a mystery?

Reputable polls show repeatedly that the majority are in favour of marriage equality (e.g. YouGov’s data in June showed 70 per cent support for same-sex marriage).

Mr Taylor could have been misled by, for example, the survey widely touted in March by the Telegraph and certain tabloids which claimed that 70 per cent are against “redefining”

marriage.

This propaganda (I use the word advisedly) was commissioned by Catholic Voices, in connection with the Coalition for Marriage, and the reason I wholeheartedly use the term ‘propaganda’ is that the poll never actually asked the question, “Do you believe same-sex couples should have equality in marriage law.”

Every time anti-equality groups commission polls they mysteriously avoid asking that question. Instead they use weasel words like ‘redefine’, or first impugn that equal marriage will destroy society, etc Ask the British public directly, without weaselling, and the majority back equality, every time.

Mr Taylor believes proequality people “shout”

loudly because marriage rights are denied to them.

(Well, not all, but wouldn’t you?) The real question is why the organised opposition is so vocal and so vehement.

BOB CHURCHILL

Bishampton