FIRST we hear that Ruth Kelly, by sending her child to a private school, seemingly has no faith in the state education provided by her Government.

Now she seems to be embroiled in supporting the churches' opposition to the proposed gay rights law which will outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Why should any organisation be exempt from such a law? Surely everybody has the right to the same provision of services, no matter how they live their lives, provided that it is within the law (which homosexuality is).

I have never been able to understand how religious groups have managed to get away with flouting existing anti-discrimination laws.

I would like to cite gay clergy/bishops. In any other field of employment to prevent a person getting a job on the basis of sexuality would, quite rightly, result in litigation. How can the church be exempt? It should be the right person for the job regardless of sexual orientation, colour or gender.

Lesley Lickley Wheatlands Grove, York.