The gay community is calling for the Government to put its words into action over the Rosie O'Donnell cruise.

Homosexuals and human rights campaigners say that despite Premier Ewart Brown's assurances that "Bermuda does not discriminate against Bermudians or visitors based on sexual orientation", gays and lesbians are still not protected under the Human Rights Act.

Alex Cabrall, 27, from Warwick, said: "There needs to be legislative action against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. When are the Government going to step up to the plate and recognise that there is discrimination occurring on the Island and this is a prime example?

"Dr. Ewart Brown can say the Government does not discriminate against anyone but he can say that all he wants because the fact remains that it's not included in Bermuda's human rights legislation, and therefore anyone can legally discriminate on that basis, leaving victims with no recourse."

US television host O'Donnell's company cancelled the gay and lesbian family cruise to Bermuda on Monday, saying they were concerned the ship would be met by protesters.

Despite telephone calls from the Premier asking them not to call off the visit, representatives of R Family Vacations said "we are concerned with some of the churches' comments and we did not want our guests to experience a similar situation that occurred in Nassau in 2004".

In the Bahamas, children on board were upset at dockside anti-gay chants and placards from religious groups.

Opposition from Bermuda's interfaith group United By Faith raised the company's concerns. Group chairman Andre Curtis said earlier: "We may just choose to pick them (the passengers) up by bus and bus them to our church, to different denominations, and have the pastors pray for them."

On Tuesday, United By Faith claimed the cancellation of the July 12 cruise was "a victory for God".

Mr. Cabrall, a member of Bermuda's gay community, said: "It's really sad they said that it was 'God's will' the ship didn't come. It's not God's will, it's just blatant discrimination on behalf of the church. It's pathetic. I'm disappointed."

Human rights campaigner, PLP MP Renee Webb, said the situation had shown up the country's double standards.

"United By Faith are using the fact that sexual orientation is not protected under the law in Bermuda. They're using that as a means to discriminate against a certain group," said Ms Webb.

"They can't do it for Hindus because that's religious beliefs; they can't do it for Russians because nationality is covered under the law; and they can't do it for the handicapped. But they can do it for homosexuals because they are not protected, and that is a travesty."

The 1981 Human Rights Act did not include homosexuality but when sodomy was repealed as a criminal offence in 1994, the question of an amendment was raised. Ms Webb however, said politicians "shied away" from the issue because it was seen as "controversial".

Last year she pushed for an amendment through a Private Members Bill, making it a 'conscience vote' for all parties, but this failed to gain support.

"It didn't go through because members didn't want to deal with it, basically," said Ms Webb.

Yesterday, Venous Memari, chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission, said the Government would review the Act.

"Regrettably, sexual orientation is not currently a protected ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1981. However, the Act is being reviewed and one of the proposed amendments will include sexual orientation as a ground of discrimination," she said.

The cancellation of the cruise continued to make headlines around the world last night. The Sydney Morning Herald said 'O'Donnell cancels gay cruise stopover' while a USA Today blog asked: "Have you experienced anti-gay or anti-lesbian sentiment while in Bermuda?"

One respondent, named 'Mom', wrote: "Victory for God? This is reminding me of the nightly news and Iraqi bombings. With this sort of news, I can tell you that I would not come to Bermuda.

"I am not gay, but my son is, and all of us have lots of money to go elsewhere. I am finding that religious zealots all over the world are more alike than different."