The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) is appealing to Christians to rally on 9 January 2007, when the House of Lords will hold an hour-long debate on Lord Morrow's motion to annul the Northern Ireland Sexual Orientation Regulations.

The government has received widespread criticism for using its direct rule powers in Northern Ireland to fast-track laws making it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Earlier in the week, Church of Ireland bishops issued a statement in which they expressed their "grave concern" over aspects of the legislation process in Northern Ireland.

"We wish to protest this frankly oppressive behaviour on the part of government. We should particularly deplore, if it be the case, the fast tracking of controversial legislation simply as a lever to force the restoration of a devolved assembly at the expense of good government and maturely considered and appropriate law," they said.

They continued: "We draw attention to new provisions and regulations relating to the registration of charities, adoption procedures, educational matters and sexual orientation, all of which will impact upon the life of the voluntary sector, the churches and the wider community, much of which is welcome but much of which is also controversial and deserving of much more considered scrutiny and exploration than has been accorded by the time tables imposed."

The LCF said that the House of Lord's January 9 debate would possibly be the only opportunity for peers to have an open debate about the Sexual Orientation Regulations.

To coincide with the debate in the Lords, a petition will be presented to the Queen with signatures of those opposing the regulations.

Almost one year ago, thousands of Christians from across the country gathered outside parliament to pray and demonstrate against the Religious Hatred Bill. The LCF is hoping that Christians will show the same solidarity and commitment towards protesting the regulations.

"This new rally is the opportunity to stand up for the freedom to live according to the Bible," said LCF.

The group welcomed the ruling by a High Court judge in Northern Ireland earlier in the week to give permission to the Christian Institute to bring judicial review proceedings challenging the Northern Ireland Sexual Orientation Regulations.

Meanwhile, civil servants under Ruth Kelly invited representatives of the LCF to meet with them today to "clarify what the regulations are not intended to cover," the LCF said. In the meeting, the civil servants stated that no firm decisions had been made about the content of the regulations.

The civil servants emphasised in the meeting that the regulations would not require Christian ministers to bless same-sex partnerships. They did not confirm, however, that the regulations were not intended to prevent faith schools promoting marriage without having to promote civil partnerships. The LCF remains concerned after the civil servants also indicated that exemptions protecting individuals on the grounds of conscience would be unlikely.

The LCF expressed its delight with the high level of activism from concerned constituents who have contacted their MPs in large numbers to express their opposition to the regulations.

"It is heartening that so many Christians are taking the responsibility for making the importance of gospel freedom known to our political leaders," said the LCF.

The group added: "The measured and balanced manner in which Christians have outlined the dangers of the legislation is also commendable as we continue to seek to make it clear that this is not a 'Christian v Gay' issue in any sense, it is a matter of freedom to follow the Gospel, based on a desire that the truth of the Bible should be taught and shared and adhered to for the benefit of everyone in society and for God's glory."