More than 50 people, including BIU leader Mr. Ottiwell Simmons MP, stood outside Parliament yesterday, praying that divine guidance would intervene and prevent the passage of Dr. John Stubbs' bill aimed at legalising gay sex.

But two gay men who came to watch, remarked that the prayer vigil was sad.

Mr. Curtis Williams who is also a member of the pro-gay Bermuda Human Rights Alliance, said that he found the Christian Coalition's obsession with condemning the gay lifestyle unnecessary.

"I am here just to watch,'' he said. "I think what they are doing is sad, though I also believe it is their right, though it is unnecessary to do this.'' "I find it odd that they would tell their members to wear a white ribbon as a symbol of purity when it is in fact a symbol worn by people who oppose violence against women.'' "I'm also put off that they would attack the Allen Vincent Smith Foundation because it has little to do with their cause.'' In Friday's Royal Gazette it was reported that the Christian Coalition had attacked the foundation (an AIDS charity) saying it had links with what they claimed was a pro-homosexual group, the UK-based Terrence Higgins Trust. The coalition said Bermudians should not give any support whatsoever to the Allen Vincent Smith Foundation.

Dr. Vernon Lambe of the Christian Coalition -- a group of church leaders opposed to the bill's passage -- said yesterday AIDS was due to a moral failing.

He said he was pleased with the turnout, and happy to find out that the white ribbon they chose to wear filled such a dual role. "I couldn't have asked for better,'' he said. "I believe the people who turned out were sincere and committed to seeing our objectives through.

"I didn't know that the white ribbon was also worn by those people who were opposed to violence against women,'' he continued, "but I think if that is the case, then our people have managed to voice their opposition to two causes...violence against women and homosexuality, and that suits me fine.'' Dr. Lambe explained that the vigil was really the culmination of a week of prayer that was conducted at churches throughout the Island.

And that yesterday's vigil sought divine blessings for MPs who the coalition hoped would then be minded to vote against the bill's passage. The Stubbs bill was not raised in the House yesterday. It is expected to be discussed next Friday.

While clearly against the homosexual lifestyle, Dr. Lambe also said the coalition was praying for all those trapped in that "sin of immorality.'' Grandmother Mrs. Grace Outerbridge, said that it was important to oppose the bill because young people were in danger of being lost.

"We are having enough problems with our young people now,'' she said. "I want to make sure this bill does not pass because I think homosexuals should keep their sexual preference in the closet as they have done all this time.'' Meanwhile, Elsie Burrows and her husband Kparke who have been married for 60 years, said they came out to "take a stand for the Lord.'' "We are against all indecency,'' she said. "Not too long ago Dr. Stubbs had to be carried up to the House after his illness.

"It's because of the grace of God that he got well again. He's got to stop fighting God's will, instead he should be thankful.''