Gay and religious groups have condemned a donor-style card being offered to parents opposed to homosexuals adopting children.

The card has been launched by the Christian Institute and shows the carrier's objection to their children being adopted by homosexuals in the event of their death.

Many of the cards have been sent to organisations in Brighton and Hove.

James Newton, assistant project co-ordinator at Brighton gay support group Allsorts Youth Project, condemned the cards as unjustified and upsetting.

He said: "I'm not surprised by the cards but it doesn't lessen the feelings of anger and frustration. It is very disappointing people would carry them.

"There is a lot of research saying there is no detriment to children adopted by gay parents. I would like to see the evidence for the opposite."

The cards' launch coincided with a debate in the House of Lords yesterday over whether homosexual couples should have the right to adopt.

The cards read: "In the event of my death I do not want my children to be adopted by homosexuals. Let your relatives know your wishes."

The Newcastle-based Christian Institute carried out a poll in Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency.

It said the poll showed 65 per cent of parents would make a legal declaration opposing their children being adopted by two gay men in the event of their death.

Christian Institute deputy director Simon Calvert said in a statement: "We hope the House of Lords votes against plans to allow gay adoption. However, if gay adoption gets the go-ahead, parents will have to make their wishes clear."

Reverend Andrew Manson-Brailsford, of St George, Kemp Town, Brighton, said: "I wouldn't give these cards out in my church, I think they are rather silly.

"Children should go where they are loved and brought up well. That can happen in all sorts of environments."