I read with dismay the recent reports and features about Peter Willows and his stupid comments that gay men are paedophiles.

Incitement to hatred is a crime for which he has been found guilty and rightly so. His slur on my community means that queerbashers now appear to have the backing of a former Tory councillor. He may have apologised but the damage is done.

As for comments about free speech, free speech comes at a cost and that cost is awareness of the offensive nature of what was said.

Peter Willows and his supporters have taken life and safety for gay men in Brighton and beyond a huge step backward. I hope that his conscience bears that in mind should the reports of attacks on gay men fuelled by his hateful words start appearing.

  • Paul Thomas, Wellington Road, Brighton