The Evangelical Alliance, representing more than 1 million evangelicals in the UK, has expressed concern over the government's decision to fast-track the Sexual Orientation Regulations in Northern Ireland by use of a parliamentary device that will prevent debate on "this far-reaching and controversial legislation by MPs and Peers".

Dr Don Horrocks, Head of Public Affairs at the Evangelical Alliance said: "Religious groups have been working hard to engage constructively with the government on these proposals and it is disappointing to see that the regulations are to be effectively imposed following minimal consultation in Northern Ireland and no debate.

"It is hard to resist the conclusion that the government intends the regulations to be a fait accompli for the rest of the UK."

The published regulations have shocked many religious groups not least by incorporating new provisions to outlaw harassment, which most lawyers agree will effectively constrain the practical use of any concessionary provisions that seek to recognise the place of religious conscience.

Don Horrocks added: "Whilst we are grateful that the government has acknowledged the special place of religion and belief, the inclusion of such a low threshold harassment clause was a real surprise given that the government had previously announced that this aspect, which is controversial in its varied impact across all strands of human rights, would be deferred for consultation under the Discrimination Law Review."

He concluded: "A consensus has quickly built up among a broad spectrum of Christian groups that, as they stand, these regulations pose a threat to religious liberty. We are encouraging Christians and others to highlight their concerns to the government in a constructive way."