Today I am proud to be a member of The Law Society ("TLS"). That's not to say that I don't support the work of TLS, of course I do, but it is rare that one of their decisions makes me swell with pride to think that they made a decision for me and people like me. What was this decision? Some great triumph over Government or the SRA? No, it was the cancelling of a room hire contract with an anti-gay marriage group that wanted to use Chancery Lane as a venue for a debate.

Today's Daily Telegraph picked up the story (see here)

There are claims about free debate and whether TLS is stifling debate, but The Telegraph misses the point entirely. TLS is my representative body, its job is to stand up for all elements of the profession when as individual solicitors our voices are lost or ignored.

TLS could have put profit before what is proper but it didn't. Despite the potential for headlines as seen in The Telegraph it did what is right and should be applauded. This is what a representative body is for; today TLS discharged its function admirably.

Of course I support the cause of gay marriage (Kevin Poulter and I recorded a quick video as part of the Out4Marriage campaign see here) but the campaign still has a long way to go. The support of TLS is crucial. It is another reason why I will be joining TLS and other lawyers marching at this year's World Pride event in London in July.

And so, well done Des Hudson (CEO) and Mark Stobbs (Head of Policy/E&D) for the swift action. Today is a good day to be a solicitor.