Govt: We are committed to gay rights

The government has hit back over claims that Ruth Kelly tried to block equality laws, insisting it is committed to ensuring gay rights.

Reports in the Observer yesterday suggested that Ms Kelly – a devout Catholic and member of Opus Dei – tried to block proposals to ensure people were offered services regardless of their sexuality.

However, a spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said they were "absolutely committed" to bringing forward proposals to protect people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

"We do not recognise this story. It is nonsense to claim we are blocking regulations," he said, insisting the delay was "purely a result of the huge response to the consultation with over 3,000 responses received".

This was "a complex area", he said, adding: "It is only right that we take the time to consider them fully and carefully to make sure our proposals are workable and provide effective protection from discrimination."