Letter: Best for children

Alistair McBay (Letters, 3 January) objected to marriage research on the grounds that it had come from a Mormon University. Unfortunately for Mr McBay, "they would say that, wouldn't they?" is not a valid argument form.

Anyway, I'll provide another source: David Popenoe, professor of sociology at Rutgers (secular) University, said: "Few propositions have more empirical support in the social sciences than this one: compared to all other family forms, families headed by married, biological parents are best for children."

RICHARD LUCAS

Broomyknowe

Edinburgh