MPs could vote on a change to the law to ban discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation this parliamentary session, according to Cabinet Minister Glenn Blakeney.

The new Youth, Families and Community Development Minister said on Friday: "We feel that we are going to be prepared to address that issue most appropriately regarding bringing it forward in the most expedient course of time.

"We are hoping that it will be before the end of the session. We're looking at doing some things that we believe will address the concerns of the various stakeholders in the community regarding sexual orientation, without compromising the integrity or the moral fibre for some who might be concerned with regard to their particular spiritual and/or religious beliefs."

Mr. Blakeney was asked about the issue at a press conference on this year's Throne Speech, which made no mention of such an amendment to the Human Rights Act 1981.

A bill tabled by former PLP MP Renee Webb failed in the House of Assembly in 2006 after MPs gave it the silent treatment. There was a pledge in last year's Throne Speech to change the Act "to ensure that no person is discriminated against in Bermuda" but an amendment has not been tabled since then.

Supporters of the change welcomed Mr. Blakeney's comments and said they hoped to see the legislation tabled soon.

Lawyer Elizabeth Christopher, from the Two Words and a Comma group, said Government committed last year to deal with the issue.

She said her organisation "looked forward to the matter being dealt with in a fair and equitable fashion".

Writer and strategic communications consultant Ayo Johnson, a former member of Two Words, said: "It appears that the Government intends to live up to the commitment made in last year's Throne Speech.

"It should be clear from [Mr. Blakeney's] comments that civil service resources have been committed since last November and some work has been done.

"The real question is what political calculations will come into play with respect to the timing of its tabling. Regardless of the Minister's intention, if the Premier decides to call an election sooner rather than later, the bill may not see the inside of Parliament until post election."

Mr. Johnson added: "I hope that it will be tabled in the House this session. After all, the ruling party has always been committed to the principle of non-discrimination."

He said he was unsure what Mr. Blakeney meant about "moral fibre".

"I would expect a Government Minister to be sensitive to the sensibilities of all stakeholders — even those who might be mistaken about the impact of the amendment.

"I think that any law which enhances the principle of non-discrimination strengthens the moral fibre of the country and there's no doubt in my mind that the majority of our religious leaders would agree.

"But democracy is also about being sensitive to, and addressing, the interests of the minority — and that's what I'm hoping the Minister means by those comments. It would be wrong and hypocritical to argue otherwise, especially with this issue."

The former Human Rights Commission executive officer claimed there had been "many lapses in political will over the years".

"Clearly this fundamental principle of non-discrimination has proven to be a tricky political issue for various administrations," he said, adding that advocates for change had a duty to engage with those who opposed the amendment.

"One might well ask why there hasn't been a robust education campaign, especially since last year's Throne Speech commitment. We may not be hearing about 'moral fibre' concerns today had that been the case."