Tory talking sense? Whatever next?

I read this letter written to the Editor of the Daily Telegraph today... page 17.

"SIR - Lord Mackay (Comment 19 January) misunderstands the Sexual Orientation Regulations. Their purpose is not to restrict religious freedom. Rather, tehy extend to gay people the same rights that already exist to protect women, ethnic minorities, disabled people and religious groups. No one would seriously wish to return to the days when guesthouses could put up signs saying 'no blacks', 'no Catholics', or 'no Irish'.
I am perplexed by his insistence on the difference between homosexual orientation and homosexual practice. How would such a difference be policed? Do guesthouse owners propose to inspect bedrooms in order to ensure that two friends who are happy to save money by sharing a room are not in fact lesbians who 'wish to indulge in homosexual practices'? Would these same proprietors insist on viewing the marriage certificates of heterosexual guests?
The tone of much of the opposition to these regulations is inflammatory and obscures the issue. Extraordinarily, the Christian Congress for Traditional Values, which has orchestrated much of the opposition to the regulations, insists on labeling them a 'paedophiles' charter'. If there are Christians in 2007 who think that gay people represent a risk to children, it only serves to demonstrate just how necessary these regulations are. John Bercow MP (Con) London SW1"

Quite right. A Tory standing up for gay rights? I may need heart surgery!