EVERY mainstream political party is, inevitably, itself a coalition. Although, as a Liberal and Liberal Democrat "activist" for 40 years, I'm constantly gratified to find how unified we are on nearly all the big issues, even with us there are exceptions.

Party conferences, in particular, sometimes get it wrong especially when resolutions are passed without prior consultation with the grass roots.

The recent decision of the Lib Dem Conference, by a small majority, to affirm homosexual "marriage" as equivalent to the real thing is the worst case for many a long year.

As a loyal party member I've no hesitation in saying that it was thoroughly misguided and short-sighted.

The motive behind it fair play for all is laudable, and we all go for fair play.

But there can be no logical or moral equivalence between any long-term loving relationship (with or without sex) between two or more people living together for which, of course, they are free to make any legal partnership arrangements they wish and the unique reality of a true marriage.

The latter is essentially a biological, rather than an ideological institution, carrying permanent implications for society as a whole.

And its all-to-few remaining perks the widow's pension and the right to bequeath property to one's spouse free of tax should be jealously protected.

It seems that the Government is likely before long to bring forward or encourage legislation along similar lines.

But at least there will be a free vote in the House, so our Lib Dem MPs will be perfectly free to disregard the unwise recommendation of conference.

Mike Judge in The Independent, Tom Utley in The Daily Telegraph and doubtless many others have wisely and thoughtfully exposed the confusion of thought which such a resolution reflects.

I agree with every word they have written, except for Utley's final, unjustified conclusion, (therefore) "for God's sake, don't vote Lib Dem."

As local membership secretary, I remain ready not only to vote but to accept many new members into the Liberal Democrats: but please do recognise that even the best of people may sometimes say foolish things.

The REV RON WILLIAMS

Castle Court

Devizes