Campaigners praised Families Minister Glenn Blakeney for breaking a six-year deadlock over debate on sexual orientation in the House of Assembly.And they urged the Minister to press forward with legislation to reflect MPs’ desire to outlaw discrimination against non-heterosexuals.Former MP Renee Webb said she was encouraged by a “more enlightened” approach in the House on Friday night than when her attempt to add sexual orientation to the list of protected grounds on the Human Rights Act failed spectacularly in 2006.Claire Smith, an openly gay resident who has frequently criticised Government over the issue, congratulated Mr Blakeney for bringing the motion and MPs for speaking positively on the subject.Both advised Government against waiting to carry out a White Paper process, saying the moment has arrived to bring legislation ensuring everyone is protected from bigots.Kicking off a lengthy motion debate on a proposed Equality Act on Friday, Mr Blakeney said homosexuals deserve protection against discrimination, stressing Government has no intention of allowing same sex marriage.MPs from all sides of the House spoke in favour, with Estates Minister Michael Scott delivering a passionate speech on the importance of giving homosexuals the same rights as everyone else in society.Ms Webb, whose debate in 2006 attracted just one speaker, backbencher Nelson Bascome, said last night: “The Minister is to be commended, along with those who spoke out on ending discrimination based on age, and sexual orientation.“The debate appears to have achieved the Government's objective of gauging where people are on the issue of sexual orientation, in particular.“I am pleased that members on both sides of the House appear to be more enlightened in the area of ending all forms of discrimination.”The former Progressive Labour Party MP noted a number of politicians alluded to their religious beliefs; backbencher Derrick Burgess said he was going to follow the stance of the AME Church, which has stood in the way of previous attempts to protect non-heterosexuals.Ms Webb said: “Members and the public need to be reminded that Bermuda is a secular Country. This means all its citizens should be treated equally regardless of religion, and does not give preferential treatment for a citizen from a particular religion over other religions.“The same should be said with respect to sexual orientation, all persons regardless of their sexual orientation should be treated equally under the law. This neglect should be corrected as soon as feasible.”She said sexual orientation should be added to the Human Rights Act immediately, explaining: “There is no further need for research and discussion on this matter. Sexual orientation should also be included in the equality clauses of the pending Equality Act.“However, if we have to wait until the Equality Act is drafted, no doubt, this will take another few years since the objective is to have all issues of discrimination under the same Act, and research, as the Minister states, is still required as to how the Government will proceed.“There is no need for a White Paper on amending the Human Rights Act, although there may be one needed for the Equality Act.“The inclusion of sexual orientation in the Human Rights Act does not merit another long drawn out wait for an amendment.”One Bermuda Alliance members who have said they support ending discrimination against non-heterosexuals could present a private members bill, she said.“Two words and a comma is all it would take,” she said.Ms Smith said: “I commend the Government for bringing this debate to the house, and I want to thank Minister Glenn Blakeney for his support for banning discrimination bases on sexual orientation.“At this point, especially after hearing so many elected representatives speaking out positively for this needed legislation, there seems to be no reason not to return next Friday to bring the Equality Act forward into law.“After years of debate and consultation, there seems no need for a lengthy White Paper.“Discrimination is wrong, and it’s time to make it right for those who are vulnerable to bigots in the society. Let’s get on the right side of history.”UBP MP Kim Swan said: “It is reasonable to conclude that greater understanding is still needed for Bermudians to overcome the divergent views and bridge the barriers that contribute to these two issues remaining volatile topics.“With regards to what is next, that is a question for the Premier as we are on the threshold of a general election, and the life of this house nears an end. Notwithstanding, the ball remains in the PLP's court as they are still the government; hence, it is up to the Premier when the election will be called and if they deem the matter urgent an amendment could be tabled before the house closes.”The Equality Act would outlaw discrimination on nine grounds: age, sexual orientation and seven others which are already covered by existing laws.Mr Blakeney said Friday’s debate was to gauge the consensus of the House before deciding whether to proceed with the legislation. He could not be reached for reaction last night.