North Dorset MP Robert Walter was the subject of a scathing attack by a gay newspaper after claiming he was opposed to homosexual couples being given the right to adopt.

Despite conceding that Britain is in dire need of more adopters, particularly for children with behavioural difficulties, Walter opposed moves to allow homosexuals to adopt on the grounds that a positive role model of both sexes would increase the likelihood of a stable upbringing for the child.

When pressed on the question of stability, which he fore grounded in his argument excluding gays, Walter was rather evasive. While sympathising with the plight of single parents, he thought it beneficial that a child have a mother and a father figure in its life.

Unmarried couples can now adopt, but only one parent would have rights, and, if something were to happen to the legally adoptive parent, the unofficial partner could miss out on custody.

Tris Reed, editor of the Pink Paper, praised Walter for his sterling work as a single parent, but criticised him for buying into gender stereotypes of the worst order. Talent as a parent, Reed argued, counted for much more when one considered the broader picture.