A new law to outlaw discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is not necessary says leadership hopeful Ewart Brown.

Recently backbench Progressive Labour Party MP Renee Webb tried to pilot such a bill through parliament but Dr. Brown said: ?There is no evidence that this divisive amendment is necessary for Bermuda at this time.?

He explained: ?I firmly believe in the right of all individuals to be free from discrimination in any form. However I would not support the proposed Human Rights Amendment.

?I do not believe that there is a need for special protection of persons in Bermuda based on their sexual orientation.

?I personally know of many individuals who have reached the pinnacles of Bermudian society who have stated their preference for members of their same sex.?

Last night Ms Webb said nobody who had reached the pinnacles of Bermudian society had openly stated their sexual preference.

She told The Royal Gazette: ?If it was stated would they be discriminated against?

?We have had people murdered on the basis of their sexual orientation. What else does it take??

Asked whether he was pandering to the powerful church lobby within the PLP when he made his announcement on human rights Dr. Brown said: ?I wasn?t thinking along those lines at all.

?I really don?t see the body of evidence that points to the need. I really don?t.?