Christian Challenge after Bid to Halt Gay Rights Law Founders

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Byline: STEVE DOUGHTY

AN attempt to scrap controversial new gay rights laws failed last night.

The House of Lords voted by 199 to 68 to reject an appeal against the legislation, which bans discrimination against homosexuals.

It has been in force in Northern Ireland since the start of the year and will be introduced in England in April.

Religious campaigners in the province will now mount a legal challenge to the laws on the basis they infringe the human rights of those who hold objections to homosexuality.

The Christian Institute described the laws as 'a charter for suing Christians', while legal experts fear the rules may force schools …