Labour wins gay rights vote in Lords

The Government has fought off an attempt by religious leaders, judges and Tory peers to block regulations laying down equal rights for gay and lesbian couples over adoption and services such as bed and breakfast accommodation.

The Sexual Orientation Discrimination order caused a furore over claims that it would lead to Catholic adoption agencies being forced to close down. But last night peers rejected an attempt to force the Government to rethink the measure by 168 votes to 122, a majority of 46.

Peers faced protests outside the Lords before the debate by opponents of the measure. After protests last year, Prime Minister Tony Blair offered a compromise which will give faith-based adoption and fostering agencies a transition period until the end of 2008 before they are required to handle requests for assistance from homosexual couples.

The issue split the Tory Party in the Commons on Monday, as David Cameron, the Tory leader, supported the measure in the Lords but on a free vote, more than 80 Tory MPs voted against.

Labour peer Lord Alli said: "These regulations are fair and balanced. The sight of children holding up homophobic placards outside the Lords seems a good argument for these regulations."