Live and let live is the modern mantra — and rightly so. Freedom of expression, whether it be political, sexual, social or religious, is a cornerstone of democracy’. Quote from an article by Sarah Vine (Mrs Michael Gove) in the Daily Mail .

Now read how Mr Michael Gove reacts to freedom of expression

Richard Page was a magistrate for 15 years, fully qualified and experienced who sat on a Kent Adoption Panel. In 2014 he was sitting with other magistrates at an adoption hearing and in a private discussion after the hearing to discuss what action should be taken, Richard said in good conscience he could not vote to make an order to give custody to two people of the same sex.

Some liberal busybody on the panel, with apparently little loyalty, reported him and in consequence he was reprimanded and ordered to take a diversity training course, which he did. Most sensible people would commend him and agree that every child needs a mother and father to give a balanced upbringing, as those who reported him and those who have since judged him were no doubt brought up.

Subsequently Richard took part in a television debate on BBC to discuss research conducted the Equality and Human Rights Commission, about challenges to freedom of religious belief in the United Kingdom. In this debate he repeated his belief that as a magistrate he had to consider what he felt was best for the child.

As a result of this he has now been removed from his Office as a magistrate by the Lord Chancellor Michael Gove, because of his view that there was not enough evidence to show placing children in the care of same sex couples was in their best interests.

Michael Gove has acted deplorably and perhaps should take more note of his wife, the Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine, who once wrote, ‘ Live and let live is the modern mantra — and rightly so. Freedom of expression, whether it be political, sexual, social or religious, is a cornerstone of democracy’. The same lady columnist has previously been described as homophobic for comments made about a lesbian mother.