The Human Rights Commission, accused in Parliament of taking a “narrow” focus on same-sex marriage, called the comments “disheartening”.

The response, from HRC chairwoman Tawana Tannock, followed remarks in the House of Assembly given by Marc Bean, which included the commission’s selection and appointment committee.

“It is disheartening that a politician of Mr Bean’s calibre has a misguided view,” Ms Tannock told The Royal Gazette.

She said the HRC had attempted without success to “reach out” to the Opposition Leader.

Its efforts over the past year in expanding the Human Rights Act included adding mental disability as a protected ground and addressing discrimination based on age in employment, she said.

It also addressed the definition of a public place, to bring it in line with the Criminal Code, as well as “clarity of residency rights, protection of discrimination by association and perception, clarity on the treatment of gender association under the HRA, and further independence of the HRC”.

The commission, she said, “firmly supports” the right of same-sex couples for legal recognition as highlighted in local and European court rulings.

Its advocacy and education campaigns had brought increasing numbers of people to the commission to have their grievances heard.

“It is disappointing that this progress has not been noted or indeed appreciated by some who seem to only focus on the issues that can be used to promote destructive discourse or further a political agenda.”

Both the Premier and Opposition Leader have the remit of selection representatives for the HRC’s selection and appointment committee, Ms Tannock added.

“We are pleased with the commissioners selected by the committee, and look forward to having these commissioners work with the Government, Opposition and general public to further positive and constructive dialogue on human rights issues in Bermuda.

“Additionally, the HRC encourages everyone to remember that when discussing these very important, yet potentially divisive issues, that we are all neighbours, colleagues, friends and relatives and when having these debates, we should try and remain calm, rational and most of all, respectful.”