One of Scotland’s leading Roman Catholics has reacted with anger to the refusal of the country’s first minister to join in a radio debate on gay adoption.

Jack McConnell rejected the invitation to join the Bishop of Motherwell in a debate on the issue to be broadcast on Premier Radio despite saying that it was “important that there is a proper debate” over legislation that will give homosexual couples the right to adopt, reports Scottish newspaper The Herald.

The Scottish first minister was invited to engage in the discussion following fierce criticism against the Scottish Executive that it was simply pandering to politically correct corners by pushing ahead with the Adoption (Scotland) Bill.

The highly controversial Bill has concerned many Christians in Scotland who fear for the welfare of children as gay couples and unmarried partners will be given the same adoption rights as married couples.