present a petition opposing a private member's Bill to make homosexual acts in Bermuda legal.

Petitioners warned the Premier and the Opposition leader that passage of the private member's bill would contribute to the "demoralisation and degradation of our society''.

Several members of the Human Rights Alliance, which supports the legislation, watched quietly by the side of the road as the marchers moved toward Parliament.

Alliance member Mr. Curtis Williams, 21, said while he did not agree with the marchers' position, he respected their right to march.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan promised to read the petition and make his colleagues aware of its contents.

The Bill, which was tabled by United Bermuda Party backbencher the Hon. John Stubbs, is not expected to come before the House until at least March 11.

While agreeing to pass on the petition to his party, Opposition leader Mr.

Frederick Wade said he would push for an open vote on the issue in the House.

He said each member should vote according to his or her conscience.

"Each member should express a view without the benefit of secrecy,'' Mr. Wade said. "It is up to their individual conscience.'' The march, which was organised by the Christian Coalition of pastors and church people, started from Victoria Park at noon and reached the House of Assembly 15 minutes later.

Many people joined the parade along the route and numbers continued to swell after it reached the House of Assembly grounds.

Once there, singing loudly, they circled the building seven times waiting for the Premier to come out.

As MPs started to leave for their lunch break, Rev. Vernon Lambe, general overseer of the First Church of God, asked the marchers to gather on the front steps and lawn.

Rev. Lambe presented the petition to the Premier and Mr. Wade. After thanking Sir John and Mr. Wade for their attention, Rev. Lambe read from a prepared statement: "We wish to register that we are not here for the purpose of attacking personalities.

"We are not here to show disrespect for our government, but we are here to openly and concertedly register our strong opposition to the proposed repeals to the Criminal Code of 1907, namely "Offences against morality'' sections 170 and 179.

"We are opposed to this action as it will further contribute to the demoralisation and degradation of our society.'' In the petition, the Coalition argued that homosexual liberation had little to do with human rights. Rather it was an issue of moral preference.

"No Christian community could refuse to recognise any God-ordained rights,'' the statement continued.

"On the other hand, no civil right, if it contradicts the law of God, can be supported by the people of God.'' Rev. Lambe said he was happy with the turn-out.

"I think the numbers speak for themselves,'' he said afterwards. "It was gratifying to see the numbers of people who were prepared to come out in the inclement weather to register their protest.

"I really believe Parliamentarians will have to respect and take note given the kind of response we have recorded here today.'' Mr. Kenneth Robinson, 40, who was one of the marchers said: "I think it was a very good march but we need everyone to come together if we are going to oppose this. It is especially important that children are bought up the right way. If gay people get more rights, children may start believing that the gay lifestyle is all right.'' ON THE MARCH -- Christian Coalition marchers and other anti-gay protesters make their way to the House of Assembly yesterday before presenting a petition to Premier, the Hon. Sir John Swan and Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade.