the issue of Bermuda's anti-homosexual law in his talks next week with Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan.

American Mr. William Courson in a letter to Mr. Major yesterday urged him to raise the issue as a matter of human rights and compliance with international law.

But last night Premier Swan poured cold water on the initiative saying the issue of homosexual rights in Bermuda was a domestic issue not an international issue.

The British Government's constitutional responsibility for Bermuda's external affairs, defence and internal security did not include the issue raised by Mr.

Courson.

"This is not a matter I would raise with the Prime Minister at all,'' Sir John said.

Mr. Courson's letter, which was fired off after Thursday's announcement of the Swan-Major visit, says Bermuda is in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

"The purpose of my writing at this time, Mr. Prime Minister, is to request that you take up with the Premier the issue of Bermuda's non-compliance with certain provisions'' of the convention.

Mr. Courson said the United Kingdom was a party to the convention "on Bermuda's behalf and to the terms of which Bermuda is legally bound.'' Mr. Courson, who has waged a campaign since January to change Bermuda's law, is aiming specifically at a Criminal Code section banning homosexual acts between consenting adults.

His campaign to change the law has amounted to "voluminous correspondence between myself, the Premier and other members of the Government of Bermuda, yourself Mr. Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary.'' Mr. Courson said there had been no action on the part of the Bermuda Government since 1988 when the issue was first raised by the United Kingdom Government.

In addition, "it has been plainly stated to me in correspondence from the Premier that it is not the intention of his Government to comply with its obligations under international law.

"I feel that the appropriate time for intervention by your own Government has arrived and would respectfully request that this be expressed in your conversations with the Premier.'' Mr. Courson said the UK was legally obliged to implement the provisions of the convention "in the event of its territory's failure to do so -- a failure that has become manifestly apparent over the past months and years.'' If the issue of homosexual rights in Bermuda is to be raised, it will more likely be done by British foreign secretary Mr. Douglas Hurd than Mr. Major.

The British Government has indicated it is aware of the issue and in receipt of Mr. Courson's correspondence.

Sir John is scheduled to meet Mr. Hurd on Thursday morning. His meeting with Mr. Major is on Wednesday at 10 Downing Street.

The primary aim of Sir John's visit is to lay the groundwork for direct US-Bermuda talks on the US Naval Air Station in Bermuda, with the UK providing significant support.

The Premier is hoping to delay the closing or winding down of the Base long enough to enable Bermudians to take over control of Airport operations and other services now handled by the US Navy.