The chief minister has attacked what he calls the 'bigotry and extreme prejudice' behind a Ramsey landlord's decision to refuse a lesbian couple a private rented property.
Allan Bell spoke out in the wake of independent Methodist minister Keith Price's refusal to let a house in the town to Kira Izzard and Laura Cull.
Mr Price says his decision was guided by his religious beliefs based on scripture.
The pair say the lack of an Equality Act in the Isle of Man means landlords are free to discriminate against gay couples.
Mr Bell has promised to speed-up the progress of an equality bill, currently in the drafting stage.
He says the rights of minorities must be respected in the Island after years of effort to create an inclusive society:
'No change to hand baggage policy' says Steam Packet
Jail for man who tried to gouge a police officer's eyes out
Response to census "exceptionally good" so far, says minister
Rushen MHK calls for progress on 20mph zones in south
