This got thrown into my daily list — and I feel as I read more and more of your stuff that we need to sit down and have a good natter and an excellent debate. Next time I’m in LA or you’re in London, let’s have a pint. Whilst I’m not as much of an activist as you are, and would no longer call myself a feminist — I’m very clear of my views on marriage.

Marriage is historically (and still today) the single biggest institutional oppression of women by men. It’s the single biggest power grab in the panoply of patriarchy and is still used as a masquerade for abuse, underage sex and rape. The entire concept of marriage is steeped in patriarchal oppression. Yes I’m aware that you can opt out of all that these days….something I’m repeatedly told — until I remind people of the millions of girls around the world who can’t opt out of it and who have no say in the matter.

The western fascination and desperation to cling onto marriage is relentless, buoyed up by failing religions and conservative ideologies around love. The world can be, and I think should be, very different. The last thing I would want is for any daughter or son of mine to be married — it’ll be their choice obviously, but not something I will advocate for my children and not something I would ever want a daughter of mine to have to go through.

It seems so strange to me that you are more outspokenly feminist than I am on so many issues — that you’ve taken such a traditional approach on this one. That pint is much needed and the debate will take us long into the night I suspect!

More great articles, keep ’em coming :o)