Launched by the Center for Justice, one of several organisations campaigning for the change, the petition reads : “We, the undersigned, urge the Government to act now and to amend the Human Rights Act 1981 to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.”Venous Memari, managing director of the Center for Justice, said her organisation was aiming for 2,500 signatures and that the petition drive will end on November 1.“A petition is an expression of the will of those who sign it,” she said when asked why a petition campaign had been chosen.“Our position is that the role of Government in a modern democracy is to take measures so that the rights of minorities are protected. That said, let’s also remember that in a modern democracy, government is of us, by us for us, therefore a petition is the easiest way the people can communicate their will to their leaders.”The petition was published on Monday afternoon on the Center’s website (www.justice.bm).Successive Governments have promised a sexual orientation amendment to the Human Rights Act for a number of years but failed to deliver.“Government inaction and broken promises have been disappointing, but we cannot give up.“This campaign is a collaboration between various groups, including human rights organisations, grass roots and interest groups.“The public event on Thursday and the petition are only part of the campaign. Hopefully, Government will stop and seriously consider the unfairness of our laws and do the right thing by amending the Human Rights Act,” she said.Government now says it is looking at enacting a broader ranging Equality Act which will prohibit sexual orientation discrimination, as well as other forms of discrimination.But Ms Memari said getting an Equality Bill to parliament will take years.“Why should people’s rights against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation (and age for that matter) be shelved whilst we consider an Equality Act? Let’s amend the HRA now whilst we consider the merits of an Equality Act.”