The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, appointed to advise the Government on drugs issues, has long been criticised for its soft approach to drugs abuse.Its chairman, Professor David Nutt, who said that cannabis, ecstasy and LSD are less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, was sacked in 2009. There was a suspicion then the council might resign en masse. In fact, only a handful left.
A month ago, the Government invited GP Hans-Christian Raabe to an unpaid post on the council. When others discovered that he was a committed Christian, favoured drug prevention as well as harm reduction and believed that strong family life could help in the battle against drug addiction, it appears their fury knew no bounds.
They delved into his background and discovered that he had signed a report with six other medical professionals six years ago which pointed out that according to research paedophiles included a disproportionate number of homosexuals, which, the report's authors said, was a matter for concern.
All that was said and done behind the scenes after that is not clear, but the Home Office has now written to Dr Raabe cancelling his appointment.
Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Labour had warned Dr Raabe was an unsuitable candidate. It is not clear what she meant by "unsuitable."
Dr Peter Saunders, chief executive officer of the Christian Medical Fellowship, points out that Dr Raabe was sacked from his role as a drugs adviser because of a completely unrelated issue.
"The fact that the data he quoted [in the report he signed six years ago] were actually derived from peer-reviewed scientific articles, and on a matter where experts agreed there is a diversity of learned opinion, makes his dismissal both outrageous and inexcusable.
"In bowing to political pressure on the matter the Home Office has demonstrated intolerance, ignorance, cowardice and an unwillingness to investigate complaints properly."
Dr Raabe said he had been the target of "vicious, hate-filled personal abuse." He had been discriminated against because of his opinions and beliefs, which were in keeping with the teaching of the major churches. He had, he said, been sacrificed on the altar of political correctness.
I confess a particular interest in the matter. Dr Raabe is a personal friend. He and I have worked together on a number of Christian events.
Hans-Christian Raabe is not only a committed Christian. He is a man of integrity who works tirelessly for the public good, often at considerable expense to himself.
Having his appointment revoked by the Home Office says more about the Home Office than it does about him.
