Amnesty International yesterday told MPs they have a moral duty to ensure all residents receive equal protection, as they prepare to debate banning discrimination against non-heterosexuals.And the human rights group believes Government is moving too slowly on the issue despite Families Minister Glenn Blakeney’s motion on the Equality Act being scheduled for discussion in the House of Assembly today.Today’s debate breaks a six-year parliamentary deadlock on plans to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, but Amnesty said Bermuda needs a law change instead of mere talk.Amnesty’s Bermuda chairwoman Nelleke Hollis said in a statement: “It remains disappointing that the Bermuda Government continues to lack leadership in the arena of sexual orientation.“While this debate is the first real movement since the Renee Webb debacle, it is not clear what further action if any, and in what form, will be taken.“The House has a responsibility to all Bermuda residents, and perhaps a greater moral duty to protect those whose rights are not enshrined by law.”Bermuda’s Human Rights Act makes it illegal to discriminate based on race, place of origin, skin colour, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, disability, religious beliefs or political opinions, or because someone has a criminal record, was born out of wedlock, or has a child born in or out of wedlock.In the summer of 2006, Progressive Labour Party backbencher Renee Webb attempted to add sexual orientation to that list through a private members bill.However, she failed miserably when, amid strong opposition from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, all MPs except the PLP’s Nelson Bascome refused to even speak on it.Mr Blakeney has said today’s motion will enable him to gauge the House’s consensus before deciding whether to progress with a new Equality Act outlawing discrimination on nine grounds including sexual orientation and age.Ms Webb said yesterday: “The Equality Act should be approached from a place of equality as the motion for the Act implies.“It is reprehensible for any leader to justify the practice of inequality against any group, be they black, white, Muslim, Christian, foreign or homosexual.“Members of Parliament are elected as leaders to serve the people of Bermuda without fear or favour, they must lead without hiding behind the perceived fear of losing the Christian vote.“What about the homosexual vote, and that of their family and friends? They also matter.“The issue of equality should never be about votes, it should be about principle.“One that says, I confirm that all people are equal, and I will not support any legislation or Act that does not include all people regardless of their sexual orientation, or any other discriminatory disadvantage.“This is what MPs should be saying, that is what leaders standing up for principle should be saying. They should support the Equality Act when it is finally brought to Parliament.“In the meantime, amend the Human Rights Act to include ‘sexual orientation’ as soon as possible, something that all Government administrations in Bermuda to date have shamefully ignored.”Also on the agenda for today is the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act, which will mean Bermudians are no longer restricted from selling their homes to non-Bermudians, providing the property has an ARV of more than $177,000.It will also mean special spousal alien licences for non-Bermudians are no longer required for the purchase of a primary residence.In a likely busy session, MPs will also discuss the Motor Car Amendment Act, which enshrines in law a policy meaning seniors don’t have to pay car licence fees.The Corporate Service Provider Business Act, which regulates that industry to offer more protection to clients, is also scheduled for debate, along with the Companies Amendment Act, which allows some Bermuda public companies to apply for relief from the 60-40 rule on foreign ownership.