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A Tory MP has caused outrage during the row over gay marriage by praising the infamous Section 28 that banned positive teaching about homosexuality in schools.

Harrow East MP Bob Blackman claimed David Cameron’s reforms would mean teachers being ordered to tell children that gay marriages are equivalent to traditional unions of a man and a women — a view he could not support.

A series of Conservative Right-wingers spoke out against the same-sex marriage plans. Stewart Jackson predicted “civil disobedience” and David Davies said most parents did not want their children to be gay.

The Government was set to fast forward the announcement to tomorrow, following the Evening Standard’s exclusive disclosure on Friday that Mr Cameron is backing the right of liberal churches to marry gay couples.

Mr Blackman’s praise for Section 28 was a challenge to Mr Cameron, who in 2009 apologised to the gay community for a law that outlawed teaching “the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. The Harrow East MP said marriage was “between one man and one woman” and went on: “I was one of those that strongly believed that Section 28 was the right rule to have in school so that we should not in any way shape or form promote same-sex relationships.”

He did not, however, call for the restoration of the law, which was repealed under Tony Blair. His comments were branded “odious” by the pressure group Out4Marriage. And former Labour Harrow East MP Tony McNulty tweeted: “So sorry my failure let this abominable fool become an MP.”

Former Tory leader Sir John Major urged Conservatives to embrace “the 21st century” and said: “Every couple should have the opportunity and the right to formalise their relationship.”

However, up to 100 Tories — who will have a free vote — have signalled they are uncomfortable with gay marriage.