a latch is provided for a mortise lock of the type comprising a housing for accommodating the lock components . the latch comprises a first and second portions movably mounted in the housing and a securing element for releasably connecting the first and second portions in either a first relative axial position or a second relative axial position where the first and second portions of the latch are rotatable relative to one another . in the first axially connected position of the latch , the first and second portions of the latch are movable together relative to the housing so that the first portion at least partially non - rotatably projects outwardly from the opening in the housing in an extended position of the latch , and the first portion is inside the housing in a retracted position of the latch . in the second axially connected position of the latch , the first portion of the latch extends further outwardly from the opening in the housing so that the first portion is rotatable relative to the housing and the first portion may be rotated to a selected position and returned to the first axially connected position of the first and second portions of the latch .