[Colr]

Given that politicians are drawn from society as a whole it is unavoidable that there will be a few religious fanatics in their but, in particular, the prerequisite for such a career - the desire to tell everyone else what they should do - will be attractive to those with a legal bent (obviously) and those with a vision to impose, whether that comes from a religious conviction or a psuedo-religious philosophy (e.g. Marxism).

I don't necessarily have a problem with this as views debated in parliament should represent the spectrum of approaches. It becomes a problem in an authoritarian government which imposes its view becasue it thinks it knows best.

My view on abortion changed when I saw the scan of my baby at 10 weeks (especially one enduring characteristic - which bodes well for his football career). However, the debate-especially that pushed by the moralists - seems to willfully miss the point.

The way to stop abortion which is, to be frank, morally wrong but is also practically necessary, is to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

That is an area that the Catholic church, in particular, can be found wanting but all sides largely ignore to engage in a game of moralistic willy-waving. Its depressing.

Don't want to bring Haxel Blears and her Opus Dei connections in here?