Lack of protection for homosexual families was an omission in legislation, according to Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, Wayne Perinchief.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette, yesterday, Mr. Perinchief elaborated on comments given to this newspaper last week where he claimed it was an “oversight of human rights” to not allow homosexual families in Bermuda.

And yesterday he claimed the Government had never intended to leave any group outside of the protection of the Human Rights Act, which is currently under review.

He said: “I do not want to exclude any sector of society. Having said that any answer would be sanctioned by Cabinet and brought to parliament

“There was a belief that everyone was covered. Everyone in government believed it was covered under the current Human Rights act in a general way.”

Last year PLP Member Renee Webb introduced a Private Member Bill into the House of Assembly to include non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, into the Human Rights Act.

Members of Government, however failed to debate it and the legislation was never passed.

However, the Minister revealed yesterday he felt her Bill was useful because it has served to focus the Government on groups not included in any legislation.

And last week, speaking to The Royal Gazette, Mr. Perinchief revealed legislation protecting homosexual families would be introduced in the near future.

He had said: “At the other end of the spectrum there are gay and lesbian families so even that has implications. It is an oversight of human rights so we have to look at legislative changes there - to allow for non-traditional families to exist.”

However, Mr. Perinchief, though he supports updating the legislation to correct the omission said it is up to the Cabinet and Parliament to make the changes.

He added: As the minister in charge I support making it current and up to date with the legislation in the UN, European Union and with the commonwealth.

“As the Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs we are keeping the Human Rights Act current. However,any amendment would be sanctioned by Cabinet and brought to Parliament.”

Last night Alex Cabrall, a member of the gay community, said he found Mr. Perinchief’s comments “encouraging”.

Mr. Cabrall, 27, from Warwick, said: “I think it’s good news as far as the Human Rights Act is concerned. It’s great to see that Cabinet and Government will have a review.

“I’ve heard the Human Rights Commission has been pushing for this, so it is all promising. I think it’s great if Mr. Perinchief is going to help push the issue.

“We’ve been pushing various Government ministers for a long time over this. I just hope the Cabinet will support it.”

Perinchief backs protection for gay families