I FEEL I have to write in response to R Garvey’s letter (Readers’ Times, January 31) about marriage.

Marriage has several definitions according to the dictionary. It is described as a close union which can be between a man and a woman, same sex couples or even between flavours.

As for the comment about homosexuals only performing the sex act for the gratification of two individuals and not for the life changing act of creation, does this person not realise that there is more to marriage than this?

It is about two people loving each other, respecting each other and making a commitment to each other sometimes which can be done in the presence of God.

If the act of sex is purely for procreation why are there family planning clinics and contraceptive methods? Surely these would not be required if all heterosexual married couples didn’t want personal gratification and only did this when they wanted to procreate.

Get real, R Garvey. Life is short and if you find someone to love and spend it with you should consider yourself blessed.

I suggest you lead your life and leave other people to lead theirs in the way in which they choose.

MRS LUCY MILLS, Thistledown Grove, Hampton Dene, Hereford.