Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan yesterday told a 600-strong army of Christians who want to keep gay sex a crime in Bermuda: "Keep on marching''.

Rev. Vernon Lambe handed Sir John a 3,000-signature petition urging MPs to oppose a private member's Bill that would decriminalise homosexuality.

The crowd of anti-gay demonstrators, many clutching the hands of small children, was double the number that marched on Parliament last Friday in the pouring rain.

"We have brought a greater crowd this time,'' declared Rev. Lambe of the First Church of God.

"Another aspect we want to register, is we are not gay bashing. We are standing for morality.'' And gay sex was "an offence against morality''.

But one passer-by was so infuriated by the march he spoke out against it publicly.

Lawyer and playwright Mr. Warren Cabral directed a slew of criticism at marchers' "ignorant'' and "immoral'' behaviour and delivered a challenge to "ex-homosexual'' Mr. Duane Santucci.

"I challenge Mr. Santucci to stand up in front of his congregation and swear on the Bible that he no longer has lustful thoughts for a man,'' Mr. Cabral said.

The name Valiant Ex-Gay Ministry was laughable and "nonsense'', he said. Mr.

Cabral added: "The method they used to present the petition is a disgrace.'' He charged organisers used small children to "plump up the crowd'' because they "obviously do not have enough support''.

He further said the marchers were living in the Old Testament, ignoring modern Christian teachings.

"I do not believe it is consistent with Christian teachings to deprive gay people of their democratic rights,'' he said.

By marching against the Bill, they were in effect condoning discrimination against others, he claimed.

Members of the Christian Coalition and the Valiant Ex-Gay Ministry led the hymn-singing marchers.

At the fore were "ex-homosexuals'' Mr. Santucci and AIDS sufferer Mr. Wayne Lee.

Dozens of people lined Parliament and Church Streets to watch the protest march, which at one point stretched a quarter of a mile.

One middle-aged man showed his support by saying: "Down with all them faggots.'' Another man cried: "Ain't going to get any gay rights around here -- there aren't enough to say yes.'' And an elderly woman remarked: "This march beats them all.'' Accepting the petition, Sir John said he too was a Christian and "we all must carry God's message''.

"I will convey your message to my colleagues,'' he said. "I will say to them that they cannot as a Christian society do what is wrong. We must do the right thing for the right reason.'' When asked if his speech was an indication of how he would vote, Sir John said: "It's a matter for my conscience.'' Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade also addressed the crowd. But he said: "I'm not playing politics.'' Mr. Wade said his party was a leader in speaking out for people's rights. He said the proposed change of law would be a matter for each member's conscience.

He added the PLP was "guided by the principles that govern the Christian community''.

"I will pass on to them this petition along with your feeling,'' he said. Mr.

Santucci said if there was anyone among the crowd who did not believe the teachings of the Ex-Gay Ministry "you are looking at an ex-homosexual who is very much delivered''.

In a tearful address, Mr. Lee, who learned he had the HIV virus last year after falling ill, said: "I am here today to make clear to my fellow Bermudians my stance on how no person is born homosexual. You learn it. And there is freedom from it.'' Homosexuality was a sin and should be lumped in the same category as adultery and fornication, he said.

The Bill, tabled by United Bermuda Party backbencher the Hon. John Stubbs, is not expected to come before the House of Assembly until at least March 11.

VOICE OF THE CROWD -- Rev. Vernon Lambe of the First Church of God addresses a 600-strong army of Christians that marched on Parliament yesterday to protest attempts to make gay sex legal. Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan stands behind him.