revealed that public opinion is decidedly mixed over local laws which ban homosexual activities.

The issue has been brought to the fore by Mr. Bill Courson, a New Jersey-based accountant who recently began a campaign to get gay sex made legal in Bermuda.

A number of respondents to Friday's survey felt they had no right to force their morals, beliefs or lifestyle on anyone.

"It's up to the individual to decide what they want to do,'' said housewife Mrs. Theresa Devraga, who believes the law should be repealed.

Law office employee Ms Dawn Robinson agreed, saying: "It's not my business to say what they should be doing in the privacy of their own home.'' Student Mrs. Anne McDonald felt Bermuda was behind the times, and should remove homosexuality from the Criminal Code.

"I think it's ridiculous,'' said Mrs. McDonald. "Every other country has changed.'' Restaurant manager Ms Mary MacKinnen said: "I think the laws should change to keep up with the rest of the world. It's allowed everywhere else.'' "I suppose. Why not?'' said one anonymous male respondent when asked if the criminal code should be changed. "Live and let live, that's what I think.'' A woman who also wished to remain anonymous said many people occupying positions of power and influence in Bermuda are gay, and that a person's sexual preference has nothing to do with their integrity.

"(Homosexuals) are in Government, the Police, everywhere -- it shouldn't make a difference what they do in private if they do their jobs right,'' she said.

Mr. Jerome Swainson said he believed the Island should open it's eyes and realise that such laws do not prevent individuals from being homosexual.

"Basically, Bermuda needs a reality check,'' said Mr. Swainson. "Whether the legislation changes or not, it will happen.'' Not everyone, however, was pleased with the thought of "letting homosexuals have the same rights (heterosexuals) do'', as one female respondent said.

"I have nothing against (homosexuals), but it shouldn't be out in public,'' said truck driver Mr. Fitzgerald Williams, who thought current laws should be left alone.

Clerk Ms Marita Simons and hospital diet aide Ms Sonya Clarke agreed with this point of view, and said they believed if Bermudian gays were given an opportunity to be more open with their lifestyle, trouble would follow.

"It would cause a lot of conflict, and we have enough (social) problems now,'' said Ms Simons.

"I pretty much like (the law) the way it is,'' said assistant restaurant manager Mr. Michael Steede. "With the threat of AIDS, I don't think it's something you should be promoting. I don't see any sense in relaxing the law.'' Housewife Mrs. Paula Drew agreed: "It should remain illegal -- I just don't agree with it.'' Mr. Jerome Swainson Ms Sonya Clarke Ms Anne McDonald Ms Marita Simons Mr. Fitzgerald Wiliams Mrs. Paula Drew.