Lib Dems: Ruth Kelly should stand down

Ruth Kelly's religious beliefs make her unsuitable to defend gay rights and she should give up her cabinet responsibilities for equality, the Liberal Democrats have argued.

Reports this weekend alleged that the communities secretary – with the backing of the prime minister – had attempted to block gay rights legislation to provide services to people regardless of their sexuality.

Lib Dem women and equality spokeswoman Lorely Burt said: "We fully believe in the rights of all groups to freedom of speech, whatever the views they espouse may be.

"However, in any commercial sphere we should not allow any individual or group belief to justify discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, gender or sexual orientation."

She added: "The government must not water down these proposals. We had always feared that Ruth Kelly's personal beliefs would make her unsuitable to be a champion of gay rights.

"Unfortunately these fears have become reality and she should now stand down."