Gay rights law divides British lawmakers

LONDON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- British lawmakers are divided over new rights for gays after Prime Minister Tony Blair and a cabinet member blocked the plan following religious protests.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly has delayed introduction of the proposals that would prevent schools, companies and other agencies from refusing services to people based on sexual orientation, The Observer said Sunday.

Blair is said to be concerned about the impact of the measure on faith-based schools and adoption agencies, which want to be exempt from the law, the newspaper said. Under the proposal, vicars can still preach what they want from the pulpit.

Cabinet members said they were concerned that the proposals would be watered down to accommodate organizations that oppose them, The Observer said. One cabinet member said he was so angered that he wrote to Kelly, telling her that the new rights legislation should not be weakened.

The regulations were to be introduced this month, but will be delayed until April. Kelly's office said the delay did not mean she opposed them but needed more time for review and input.