their fight against the Island's ban on homosexuality.

Since news of the campaign emerged last week, Bermudian supporters have been calling the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission in San Francisco, said spokesman for the organisation Mr. Russ Gage.

The group is supporting New Jersey accountant Mr. Bill Courson in his campaign against a Bermuda law that makes sex between gay men illegal.

Mr. Courson has claimed Government is breaking international law on human rights by keeping the law on the books.

"There have been a number of people that called and we think there are going to be a number of people working on the issue who have been stirred up,'' said Mr. Gage last night.

One gay Bermuda resident had been recruited as the campaign's eyes and ears on the Island, Mr. Gage said.

He would not reveal the man's name, saying the commission had not yet forged a strong enough relationship with him.

"He said he was interested in working with us and doing some research for us.

He would act as a ground observer for us and monitor the discussion around homosexuality, as well as sending us information on potential allies and people to lobby in Government.

"He had some first-hand info on gay life in Bermuda and could give us some background.'' The commission was looking at mobilising an international letter-writing campaign aimed at the British and Bermudian governments, Mr. Gage added.

And it was considering filing a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.

"We have heard that there are a few lawyers on the Island that have raised the issue before and we're trying to get in touch with them at this point.

They appear to be the most visible allies.

"But we're also looking for contact among the gay and lesbian community in Bermuda to get an idea if there is an underground movement.'' At present, homosexual relations can lead to a maximum 10-year jail sentence, even if the men are consenting partners in private.

Few cases have made it to the Island's courts in recent memory.