the agenda'' on how people should behave.

The Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge was hitting back at an editorial criticising his reaction to a possible boycott of Bermuda by United States gay sympathisers.

Mr. Woolridge had stated Bermuda should not be pressurised by the threat into changing its law on gay sex.

But The Royal Gazette took him to task over his "anti-gay'' remarks, saying they could drive away potential visitors concerned about human rights.

"The truth is that if one person is discriminated against, we are all shamed.

There can be no human rights and no dignity for the many if there is no care for the few,'' the editorial said.

Yesterday Mr. Woolridge lashed back, saying the paper "clearly seems to want to set the agenda not only on how the Bermudian people should think, but on how they should behave as well.

"When asked to comment on a possible boycott of Bermuda by sympathisers of the gay movement, the tone and intent of my response was that I was not overly concerned.

"I said it was up to the people of Bermuda to determine if the law should be amended, and that we should not feel pressured by outside lobby groups no matter what the issue.

"Demographically, Bermuda's tourism base is extremely broad. No one is discouraged from coming to Bermuda.

"Where and when necessary, especially in areas such as the introduction of illegal drugs, visitors are informed of and expected to obey the laws of Bermuda.

"They now know that there is a law which prohibits homosexual activity among adult males.

"I sincerely hope this knowledge will not discourage our guests from coming to Bermuda.'' Mr. Woolridge, who said he had been merely enunciating the law of the land, admitted he had voted against a motion to amend the legislation in 1971, and he had not changed his stance.

"My comments were made in an attempt to be honest, and not in an attempt to be deliberately offensive to potential visitors.

"If The Royal Gazette and its supporters want to bring pressure on Parliament, that is their democratic right, of course.

"In the end, though, it will be the elected members who will vote for or against any change in the status quo.'' The Hon. C.V. Woolridge.