Dale Butler's premiership ambitions could fail because he supports banning discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, according to the Premier's consultant Rolfe Commissiong.

Mr. Commissiong said Mr. Butler's call to amend the Human Rights Act puts him at odds with many in the Progressive Labour Party who say it goes against their religious beliefs.

Mr. Butler yesterday insisted he would not change his stance, even if it means he cannot get enough votes to become Premier at the PLP delegates' conference in October.

Yesterday, The Royal Gazette reported how Mr. Butler is considering a bid for the top job, but fears some core party members are against him because of his liberal views.

Mr. Commissiong added yesterday: "I think part of that lack of support is he's one of the most ardent supporters for what many people see as a gay rights agenda.

"Bermuda has been a very, very conservative and even religious society when it comes to certain types of issues. People have a very, very firm view on the issue of sexual orientation based on their religious beliefs.

"Every time he's floated the issue, he's had a brushback."

Mr. Butler has previously told how Cabinet twice rejected his bid for sexual orientation to be added to the list of protected grounds under the Human Rights Act.

After years of lobbying from human rights campaigners, Cabinet finally announced the Act will definitely be changed to include sexual orientation last November.

Yesterday, Mr. Butler said: "From day one, I stated I did not object to sexual orientation being added to the list of grounds in the Human Rights Act.

"I said this before I read volumes of reports or met with any of the advocates and I have not changed this position and will not change my position to win ten delegate votes to become the leader."

Big Conversation organiser Mr. Commissiong also questioned Mr. Butler's view that it's time to stop hammering home the race message to whites.

"I think that view is anachronistic frankly," said Mr. Commissiong. "That type of attitude on the part of black Bermudians has contributed to the problem of race relations.

"If those same whites reinforce that view, you can see how it's going to be difficult to have the necessary conversation on the issue.

"We must speak to the hard truth of our common existence."

Mr. Butler replied: "Mr. Commissiong is entitled to his opinion. The work he has done has opened the door and almost cleared the slate for all to see that the next step has to be work — work with all Bermudians regardless of race, creed or colour."

Mr. Commissiong added that some in the PLP had lost faith with Mr. Butler because he had never taken the key Education Minister role despite his background as a well-respected head teacher.

Mr. Butler replied: "I gave up a very good career that I loved because the late L.F. Wade indicated that he would appoint me as Education Minister.

"Then Premier Dame Jennifer Smith appointed herself and went on to appoint others and Premier Alex Scott did the same."

He said Mr. Scott later offered him the job but his personal circumstances at the time, including a health scare, meant he had to decline, while Dr. Brown did not offer it after Mr. Butler indicated he was tired of "being picked last".

Deputy Premier Paula Cox, the favourite to replace Premier Ewart Brown, has not replied to this newspaper's questions on the issue.

Another potential contender, backbencher Terry Lister, did not comment on whether he would put himself forward, but said whomever is elected needs to restore the faith of a Country concerned by violent crime, education and job losses.

"I am confident that the delegates will select a person who can lead us forward and bring about that restoration of the Bermuda we love," he said.