A controversial private member's bill in Alberta, denounced by critics as being anti-gay, has died after opposition members used stalling tactics to prevent its passage on Monday.

If passed, Bill 208 would have allowed marriage commissioners in Alberta to refuse to perform same-sex marriages.

It would also have changed human rights legislation to scuttle complaints against marriage commissioners who refused to preside over same-sex marriages.

"It's a sad day for democracy when the Liberals and NDP won't allow a debate on an issue this important," said Ted Morton, the government member and Tory leadership contender who sponsored the bill.

Earlier in the day, several leaders of Alberta's gay community held a news conference to condemn the bill as an attack on gays and an attempt to legislate discrimination.

"With this bill, the government sends such a sinister message," said gay rights activist Julie Lloyd. "It sends a message that hatred and intolerance is acceptable when directed at this particular group. That's unconscionable."

"It is a cheap, uncalled for ploy to undermine tolerance and acceptance in this province," added Michael Phair, an openly gay Edmonton city councillor. "It is truly appalling and frightening to see the votes that this repugnant bill garnered."

Even some members of the Tory caucus seemed to struggle with the bill.

"I don't think it will achieve anything. I think it's a solution looking for a problem," said International and Intergovernmental Relations Minister Gary Mar.

Tory MLA Dave Hancock said raising the same-sex specter "just creates another divisive public issue that's not necessary, not needed."

But Premier Ralph Klein backed the bill, saying he felt it was simply an extension of existing government policy.

"I don't want to be perceived as a gay-basher, because I'm not,'' said Klein.

"But I want to protect those who, on moral and religious grounds, don't want to marry a gay couple."

Morton conceded his bill is dead for now, but he's promising to make it an issue during the leadership contest to replace Klein as Alberta's Conservative leader.

"I'm predicting that Bill 208 will be back as a government bill next February," said Morton. "I know I have the support of about three-quarters of caucus, plus the premier."

There are only two hours a week on Mondays slated for debate. Because the private member's bill failed to make it to third reading and the spring session is almost through, it is unlikely there is enough time for it to pass before MLAs break for the summer.

The bill also originally contained a section that would have allowed teachers or students to opt out of any class that discussed same sex marriage. But that part was withdrawn when members of the Klein government objected.

With reports from CTV Edmonton's Dan Kobe and The Canadian Press