Assault on our freedoms even Orwell couldn’t have dreamt up

It was reported last week that Maureen Martin was fired from her job, simply for stating in her campaign to become a London mayor what most people would agree with – that marriage should be between a man and a woman and that it is the best environment for raising children.

We are supposed to live in a democracy where we have free speech, but obviously this is not the case.

Elizabeth Quin, Bournemouth

We live in dangerous times when thought police can interrogate you for not thinking in a certain way, when you cannot hold certain views and, more disturbingly, when you can be fired for your views even if others agree with them.

George Orwell could not dream up this madness that grips us.

Diana Hardy, Shropshire

I don’t agree with Maureen, however, I agree with Toby Young, the general secretary of the Free Speech Union, who said she should be able to voice her beliefs.

Unless a person is inciting violence, we should all be given our right to free speech.

J. Evalyn, Worcester

The arrogant twaddle that Toby Young spouts is sheer nonsense. His response to the inexplicable sacking of Maureen Martin was to rightly defend this lady, which he should be commended for.

However, he says that he doesn’t agree with Maureen’s view on marriage.

What does he find disagreeable in her statement? Is he scared to agree with her views?

B. Channing, Wales

The ones who always shout the loudest about their right to free speech being denied are those with the least understanding of what the phrase actually means.

R. Mackenzie, Edinburgh

Maureen Martin’s view on marriage is incredibly outdated and doesn’t represent today’s modern society. We have freedom of speech, not freedom from repercussions. She must have known that it was controversial when she wrote it, so no wonder she lost her job.

Larry Reese, Ripon

Maureen Martin lacked judgment by expressing her views on marriage in her campaign leaflet. Free speech is one thing, diplomacy is another.

Joe Cowley, Belvedere, Kent

Religion should be kept out of politics. Marriage is for two people who love each other regardless of sexuality.

Maureen didn’t even need to point out her religious views in her campaign to become mayor of Lewisham.

Ann Will, Scunthorpe