AS leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Whitefield area, and also as a father, I was very concerned to read that gay rights activists were planning to try to influence our teenage sons (and daughters) through schools.

It seems to me that those in power were bowing to the pressure from vocal minorities by recently voting to lower the age of homosexual consent to 16. Or is it me that is in the minority?

Teenage years are difficult enough for our children, without them being unnecessarily influenced and pushed this way and that by those with alternative lifestyles.

We who have been through those same teen years know that the views which we so adamantly held at 16 generally changed significantly in just a few years. And decisions made at so tender an age can bring misery to later years.

As a church leader I am bound by the teachings of Jesus Christ, his prophets and apostles, and to state that homosexuality is an unnatural lifestyle not approved by our creator. The age of consent is not just a concern in relation to homosexuals but also heterosexuals as well. The powers and the acts of procreation are sacred and should not be used lightly - and certainly not outside the covenant of marriage.

It was distressing to read of a 12-year-old girl who has just become a mother. Surely society has a responsibility to protect and safeguard individuals from sexual activities that can scar their lives for ever.

Governments are quick to ban those things which might harm us physically, yet they seem eager to bring in legislation that will harm many individuals both emotionally and spiritually.

It is not too late for us to voice our concerns to our MPs. They have been voted in by the public and we are paying them to serve the wishes of the majority of their constituents, not just outspoken minorities.

Let us join together to allow our children to have a childhood, and to grow up in an environment free of sexual pressures, particularly through their teen years. There is time enough once they reach adulthood for such important decision to be made.

BISHOP GLYN DAY,

Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-Day Saints,

Whitefield.

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