By Tim Castle
LONDON (Reuters) - Gay rights campaigners accused the Conservatives of tolerating prejudice on Saturday after a party spokesman sympathised with people who offer guest accommodation in their own homes but turn away gay couples.
The remarks by home affairs spokesman Chris Grayling, just days before the expected start of an election campaign, threaten to undermine efforts by Conservative leader David Cameron to make the party appear more representative of British society.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to announce on Tuesday he is calling a general election for May 6, with the Conservatives, also known as Tories, favourites to win.
The Observer newspaper said Grayling made the comments, which were recorded, at a think tank last week.
"I think we need to allow people to have their own consciences," he was quoted as saying, referring to cases of Christians refusing to accommodate gay couples.
"I personally ... took the view that if it's a question of somebody who's doing a bed and breakfast (B&B) in their own home, that individual should have the right to decide who does and who doesn't come into their own home".
Last week newspapers said a gay couple had reported a Christian B&B owner to police for refusing to let them stay.
Under equalities legislation it is illegal to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation.
Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay rights group Stonewall, told the Observer that Grayling's remarks would be "very alarming to a lot of gay people who may have been thinking of voting Conservative".
"I don't think anyone, including the Tories, wants to go back to the days where there is a sign outside saying: 'No gays, no blacks, no Irish,'" he added.
In response Grayling said any suggestion he was opposed to gay rights was "wholly wrong" and that he had voted in favour of legislation that prohibited B&B owners from discriminating against gay people.
"However, this is a difficult area and on Wednesday I made comments which reflected my view that we must be sensitive to the genuinely held principles of faith groups in this country," Grayling said.
"But the law is now clear on this issue, I am happy with it and would not wish to see it changed," he added.
Chris Hume, home affairs spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, told the Observer: "Chris Grayling's plan would allow discrimination to thrive, as every bigot was given a licence to opt out of equality rules".
Editing by Paul Casciato
Reuters UK
