The communities secretary, Ruth Kelly (pic'd here), called new gay equality laws a "major step forward", after a last-ditch bid to block them failed in the House of Lords.Peers rejected a move to scrap regulations which would force Catholic agencies to place children with gay couples by 168 votes to 122 - a majority of 46.
The Catholic church has warned that its agencies will shut when the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) rules come into force, rather than act against their beliefs.
Leading opposition to the regulations in a passionate three-hour debate, Baroness O'Cathain accused ministers of rushing "headlong into a clash between gay rights and religious freedom".
The Conservative peer condemned the regulations - which have already been passed by the Commons - as being "seriously flawed", adding that the circumscribing of people's freedom was "outrageous".
But Ms Kelly - herself a strong Catholic - said after yesterday's vote: "This is a major step forward in ensuring dignity, respect and fairness for all.
"These measures will help tackle the practical barriers and real, everyday problems faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people. It cannot be right in a decent, tolerant society that a shopkeeper or restaurant can refuse to serve a customer because they are gay.
"It cannot be right for a school to discriminate against a child because of their parents' sexuality or not to take homophobic bullying as seriously as they should."
Tony Blair was drawn into the row earlier at prime minister's questions when Tory backbencher Bill Cash accused him of treating the Commons with "contempt".
Mr Cash said: "You have given more preference to those who stand for gay rights than those who are concerned with conscience, with family and with religion."
But the PM insisted there had been a very full debate on the issue.
"There is a basic choice: you take the view that there should be discrimination against gay people in respect of this.
"That is the impact of voting against the regulations and I happen to think that we can if we are sensible find a way of preventing discrimination against gay people whilst allowing those Catholic adoption agencies to carry on doing the excellent work that they do.
"It is a difficult balance to strike. I believe we have struck the right balance and I think most sensible people would agree with it."
The regulations are aimed at outlawing discrimination against gay people by businesses and service providers.
Ministers have refused to grant Catholic agencies an opt-out but have agreed a 21-month transition period to bring in the change.
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