MPs may get free vote on Section 28

Tory MPs may be given a free vote on whether Section 28 should be scrapped under a compromise aimed at uniting the party, being planned by Iain Duncan Smith. The Tory leader's allies say he wants to "send a signal" that the party is changing, by modifying its support for the controversial law, which bans local authorities from promoting homosexuality. But Tory traditionalists, say the party should not ditch its backing for the rule.

A local government Bill to be announced in the Queen's Speech next month will enable Labour to try again to abolish Section 28, a move blocked in the Lords. The new battle poses an acute dilemma for Mr Duncan Smith. Tory modernisers say this will be a defining moment for his leadership.

Some in the Shadow Cabinet want the Tories to vote for abolition. But traditionalists, including David Davis, who will head the Tory response in the Commons because he is responsible for local government, will strongly oppose them. A compromise floated by the leadership would allow Tory MPs, including frontbenchers, a free vote. It is thought a majority would vote for abolition.

Mr Davis has not yet given his backing for this middle way, and Mr Duncan Smith is anxious to find a solution which enjoys his support. Relations between the two have been strained since the surprise demotion of Mr Davis from the post of Tory chairman in July.

An intense debate about Section 28 hovers in the margins of this week's Tory conference. John Bercow, the shadow minister for Work and Pensions, told The Independent's fringe meeting the issue was a "litmus test" for the way the electorate would see the party. He said it was "a question of personal decency" and many people were "deeply affronted by Section 28, [and] they regard it as offensive, discriminatory, obnoxious".