Former United Bermuda Party Minister Quinton Edness is urging Government to rethink its decision not to take part in an initiative to increase protection for minorities.

The elder statesman — who brought the Human Rights Act before Parliament in 1981 — said he fears the Island would be seen as arrogant for being the only British Overseas Territory abstaining from consultations aimed at raising awareness and strengthening legislation.

Mr. Edness applauded Government's efforts in reviewing its existing Act, but said it should be prepared to share ideas with other countries.

He also said he had high hopes that the Act would soon be amended to protect against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; and that Government's new free day care scheme violates the human rights of non-Bermudian children.

"Government has to be commended for doing what they are doing: they are bringing in amendments," Mr. Edness told The Royal Gazette.

"However, I would really like to ask them to reconsider their decision not to enter the consultations that are taking place by the BOTs."

He said this would increase Bermuda's commitment to international standards on the rights of children, women and workers.

"It's essential for the Human Rights' Commission and Government to be involved in discussions, to work with the media, to strengthen democracy," he said.

Project leader Marilyn Conolly, of the Cayman Islands, this week described Bermuda's abstinence as a wasted opportunity.

Mr. Edness said: "It doesn't help our relationship with the other Overseas Territories. They may think there's a degree of arrogance with us not participating ... you can sense there's some disappointment at Bermuda not being there."

The absence of sexual orientation from the Act has long been a hot topic, with MPs refusing even to debate former Tourism Minister Renee Webb's bill to have it included two years ago.

Mr. Edness said sexual orientation was initially left out because otherwise the Act itself would never have been passed — and he believes it would now stand a better chance of being included than in 2006.

"I do believe there's an embarrassment that has taken place since the last time it was taken to the House when the MPs refused to debate it," he said.

"I don't think members want to be part of that kind of embarrassment again. There's been a greater understanding of what the law would be about, and it more than likely stands a very good chance of being included."

Free day care for families earning under $70,000 a year has been heralded as a triumph for low-income parents — but the move to freeze out non-Bermudians has come under attack.

Mr. Edness said: "Human rights protection is for everybody living on the Island. You are protected under law whether you are Bermudian or non-Bermudian.

"To say that this free day care only applies to Bermudian children, and not to non-Bermudian children, it means they are being treated differently.

"I think all children should be treated the same because any family in Bermuda pays the same amount of taxes as any other."