I may not know much about men who dress in women's clothes but I do know a great deal about those who cloak themselves in religion and think their beliefs give them the right to tell the rest of us how to conduct our lives.

The latest example of such Christian bigotry and arrogance comes in the form of the petition signed by members of the Holy Cross Church, Hove, against Lacies, a shop specialising in clothing for cross-dressers. According to a report (The Argus, February 4) they object to the shop being "near schools".

Given the damage Christianity has done - and continues to do - since it was inflicted on humanity 2,000 ago, I would be much happier having a centre for transsexuals and transvestites near a school than any church.

The Holy Cross congregants' objection is rendered even more ridiculous by the fact that, in many denominations, especially Catholic, males are frequently seen prancing about in fancy frocks.

The fact they are officiants in priestly regalia is neither here nor there.

-Barry Duke, Editor, Freethinker Magazine