Minister Glenn Blakeney warned drugs in sport will not be tolerated as MPs passed legislation establishing internationally accepted anti-doping rules.Mr Blakeney noted drugs are a scourge in Bermuda’s community, making the legislation “most important and most timely” as he introduced the Anti-Doping in Sport Act, which formally sets up the Bermuda Sport Anti-Doping Authority (BSADA).The bill, which allows BSADA to collect and test samples from sportsmen and women as part of a national anti-doping programme, is said to be necessary for Bermudians to continue competing internationally.Both Opposition parties backed the legislation, with a string of MPs from all three sides speaking of the perils of drug abuse in sport.The legislation will be accompanied by an awareness and education campaign. Anyone violating the anti-doping rules may be disqualified from competitions and events, become ineligible for funding or be suspended from future competitions.The rules do not just cover athletes, but also their entourages including coaches. They are part of a global initiative that many other countries around the world have already adopted in legislation.Mr Blakeney said it’s important young people who aspire to represent their country understand drugs in sport will not be tolerated.He said additional legislation will be needed to “operationalise the interdiction and criminalisation” of the list of banned substances in the World Anti-Doping Agency code.He said steps are being taken to bring that ancillary legislation before the House “at the earliest possible opportunity”.Shadow Sports Minister Charlie Swan said the United Bermuda Party supported the legislation.“There’s no question that the people of Bermuda, especially those represented by the group of us [UBP MPs] on this side, support all efforts to make sure that the people who represent this Country in overseas sports or local sports are of the highest calibre in all respects,” said Mr Swan.However, he raised some technical questions such as who would be doing the tests, and how the board overseeing the rules would be staffed.He also inquired whether the new rules would cover the doping of horses.Bermuda Democratic Alliance MP Donte Hunt said his party supported the legislation.Government backbencher Randy Horton delivered a long speech on the history and perils of drugs in sport. Bermuda, he said, should “lead the way” in taking action against them.“We need to ensure that our young people grow up knowing it’s a no-no,” he told his Parliamentary colleagues.Trevor Moniz of the UBP said he was not sure Mr Horton is right that Bermuda is leading the way, and noted: “If we don’t pass this now, we’re out of luck.”Health Minister Zane DeSilva described the act as “a critical step”.Independent MP Darius Tucker also backed the legislation, saying: “There’s a new day in sport and that means that we must be drug free.”UBP leader Kim Swan was one of several MPs to say young people need to be reminded of the dangers of drug-taking in sports.Former Sports Minister Dale Butler spoke about how easy it is to consume illegal substances in the “zillions of drinks” commonly available, including marijuana tea he said you can buy in supermarkets.He said the consequences of this would be serious for athletes.Progressive Labour Party backbencher Dennis Lister said the act sends a message about the negative effects of drugs, and that athletes themselves should be their own policemen.Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess questioned how many world records had been set by athletes who used performance enhancing drugs without getting caught when drug testing was less advanced.Former National Drugs Control Minister Wayne Perinchief said he hoped young people would adopt a better attitude towards drugs in sport which could be translated into their general lifestyle.Minister without Portfolio Michael Weeks said one local football team had qualified to play in the Concacaf games but struggled to find 11 players who were drug free.He said although many players regard marijuana as a social drug, they should be aware it is classed as performance enhancing.Government Whip Lovitta Foggo said the regulations are aimed at benefiting youngsters, not simply admonishing them. Ms Foggo said by participating in drugs free sport they can get scholarships overseas.Premier Paula Cox said the civil servants who drew up the legislation did so with an eye on how they can help young people.lUseful website: www.ukad.org.uk