Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert has apologised over his party?s role in the sexual orientation bill controversy.

Both the UBP and the Government were heavily criticised after Renee Webb?s private members bill to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation met with a wall of silence in the House of Assembly.

Government MP Nelson Bascome was the only person to speak on the bill before it was scuppered by those against it in a voice vote. Last Friday more than 300 protesters demonstrated outside the House at the MPs? failure to properly debate the issue.

Explaining the silence from the UBP benches, Opposition House Leader John Barritt said his party did not enter the debate because they were waiting for the Government to take a stand first. He told a protester at the rally: ?The greatest teacher in life is sometimes mistakes. It backfired. We are getting caned for not speaking.?

Quinton Edness, the UBP politician responsible for bringing the Human Rights Act before Parliament 25 years ago later described members of his own party as ?absolutely despicable? for not debating the matter.

Speaking yesterday, Mr. Furbert, who was against the bill, said: ?In hindsight, we made a mistake ? both sides ? in not fully debating this issue. On behalf of my colleagues I would like to apologise for not debating the issue as fully as we should have.?

He stressed that there was no ?deal? struck with the Government to sink the bill ? as had been speculated by some following the issue. ?We had people ready to speak,? he said.

He also said that, in his view, the protest last Friday was white-dominated and claimed that black people are more likely to be against homosexuality.

?I believe that because of our black cultural upbringing there?s a difference between (races in) acceptance of homosexuality with (the) white community around the world,? he said. He added that his comments were not about the influence of the church but black people in general.

Although Parliament can theoretically bring the bill back by waiving its own rules, Mr. Furbert said it was too early to comment on whether his party would back this idea. He explained that this was due to be talked about at the caucus ? meeting of party members ? last night. ?We could debate it, but the question is ? would it pass?? he said.

Ms Webb has previously indicated that she would only try to re-table the legislation if she could be sure that the majority of MPs would back it.

However, Mr. Furbert said his party was committed to exploring what he termed a ?compromise? version of the bill ? which was an amendment to the Human Rights Act ? this time aimed at being more widely acceptable to those of differing views.

?We are looking at how we can ensure that everyone is protected from discrimination on (issues such as) employment and accommodation,? he said.

He explained this would not just encompass homosexuals but also groups such as seniors or single mothers who might also face problems gaining employment or a place to live because of prejudice.

?It?s about values and how we perceive things. Most blacks saw the issue of Renee. I believe they didn?t see the idea of employment and accommodation. We need to find a way that everyone?s human rights are protected,? said Mr. Furbert.