British Prime Minister Tony Blair today announced there would be "no exemptions" from gay rights laws for faith-based adoption agencies.
But Mr Blair said in a statement that the new rules would not come into force until the end of 2008.
Until then there will be a "statutory duty" for religious agencies to refer gay couples to other agencies, he added.
Mr Blair's official spokesman said the statement reflected the Government's position, and the Commons would not be given a free vote.
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Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly, a prominent catholic who was thought to be demanding exemptions for the church, greeted the announcement as a "breakthrough" that should be "welcomed by everyone".