TORIES in Blackburn and Darwen are calling on Home Secretary Jack Straw to vote against controversial plans to reverse a law banning councils from promoting homosexuality.

The Conservative group made its call after plans to repeal Section 28 of the Local Government Act were heavily defeated in the House of Lords.

And it will formally draw up a motion calling on Blackburn MP Mr Straw and his Rossendale and Darwen colleague Janet Anderson to vote against the repeal when the issue returns to the House of Commons.

Tory Coun John Williams said: "We oppose the repeal of section 28. Conservatives want to divert more resources into improving education. Public money should be spent on raising standards in schools, not furthering a particular minority agenda.

"We do not believe Section 28 provides any legal block to teachers tackling bullying, but we favour amending section 28 to address teachers' concerns on this issue.

"Homosexuality is a personal, private choice between consenting adults. Adults can make informed decisions about their own sexual orientation.

"Local authorities are there to provide local public services, they should not be using taxpayers money to promote homosexuality among children."

Following the House of Lords rebellion on Section 28, the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters proposed a compromise which would place a legal duty on schools to promote marriage in sex education lessons.

The full council meets on Thursday, February 17.

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