The Opposition said they did not speak to a private member's bill that would have outlawed discrimination against homosexuals at the House of Assembly yesterday because they were waiting for a Government Minister to speak to the issue first.

The bill, which would have added sexual orientation to the list of things that people cannot legally discriminate against if passed, was introduced as a Private Member's bill by Government backbencher Renee Webb and overwhelmingly rejected early yesterday afternoon.

Only two members of the House, Ms Webb and Government MP Nelson Bascome voiced their opinions during the debate. Ms Webb made a impassioned plea for members of Parliament to pass the bill and said it was "the right thing to do" while Mr. Bascome said the House could not "legislate morality".

Opposition Whip John Barritt, who voted for the bill, explained that his party did not enter the debate because they were waiting for the Government to take a stand first.

"We were waiting to hear from the Government of the day," he said. "We wanted to hear from someone on the front bench. When no one stood up that was that and the debate collapsed."

He said that his party had members for and against the bill but decided not to speak to it until a Government Minister expressed their stance.

When pressed on the point that it was also the Opposition's job to debate issues of importance to the country, he reiterated that the UBP caucus had decided not to unless someone from the Government spoke. In particular the Opposition was waiting for the Minister in charge of human rights, Dale Butler to speak, he said.

"It was a question of we were waiting for them to blink, they were waiting for us to blink and neither of us blinked so the debate collapsed."

The Royal Gazette attempted to contact every Government Minister last night. All except Deputy Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown refused to comment or could not be reached.

Dr. Brown said he did not vote for or against the motion in the House of Assembly.

"I am a firm advocate of human rights for all, including homosexuals," he said last night after the House had finished. "I elected not to speak today. I intend to speak on this issue another time and another place."

When asked if the House of Assembly was not the best place for the country's second in command to state his opinions and move the debate forward, he said he would not comment further.

Government Whip Ottiwell Simmons said he voted against the motion and did not speak because he felt his views were already expressed.

"I was prepared to speak but Ms Webb went on for a length of time and she made a very good presentation," he said. "Nelson Bascome then spoke and wrapped up another point of view. Personally I thought there was no need for any contributions from me or anyone else."

Backbencher Glenn Blakeney, who also voted against the bill, said the Opposition's position was "ludicrous".

"If you have a position on it, then why are you going to wait?" He asked. "Do they wait to speak on any other issues?"

He echoed Mr. Simmons' sentiments and said he did not speak because he did not feel the need to after Ms Webb and Mr. Bascome addressed the issue. He added that he felt the Human Rights Act already protected everyone's rights.

"Most of Bermuda are very tolerant," he said. "We are a mature and sophisticated society and know that discrimination is wrong. I don't think we need to enshrine every single situation into law."

When asked if the no vote could indicate that Bermuda was homophobic he said it did not.

Premier Alex Scott was not available for comment last night.