While appalled by Councillor Willows's insensitivity and offensiveness, I am more disgusted by his ignorance and naivety.

Although it used to be held that being gay could be equated with the sexual abuse of children, Press coverage in recent years has shown that by far the majority of paedophiles are heterosexual.

In addition, Coun Willows's claim he had had too much to drink is not a mitigating factor but an aggravating one. "I was drunk at the time, Your Honour" is absolutely no defence. Doesn't his inability to remain sober at a Brighton and Hove City Council event also indicate his lack of fitness for office?

-Dr Michael B Johnson, Kevin Gardens, Brighton