can "escape'' their lifestyle.

Dr. Elizabeth Moberly will speak at an event organised by Valiant Ex-Gay Ministries, a local Christian group which aims to help people "struggling with their homosexuality''.

The group is headed by Bermudian laundromat owner Mr.

Wayne Lee, who says he gave up a gay life more than two years ago.

Dr. Moberly is director of "pyscho-sexual education and therapy'' for an American missionary organisation.

She will be joined at the October 2 conference by campaigners the Rev. Earle Fox and Mr. Anthony Falzarano.

Mr. Falzarano, a former male prostitute, spoke at a previous conference in the Island in May.

He says he was "delivered'' from the gay lifestyle 10 years ago. He now heads an "ex-gay'' ministry in Washington DC.

A conference spokesperson said: "Dr. Moberly will talk about the cause and development of homosexual behaviour and its link with early relationships between parents and their children.

"She believes the gay community does not speak for homosexuals generally. She will show how homosexuals who want to escape the gay lifestyle can do so.

"She will address fears that homosexuals can be prematurely pressured into heterosexual relationships.

"Dr. Moberly will be making a firm stand against hostility and homophobia.''