ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Opponents of a proposed gay rights law have collected enough signatures to force the issue to a statewide referendum in next year's general election, officials said Thursday.

Voters will decide whether to add sexual orientation to the state law that prohibits discrimination based on factors such as gender and religion.

State election officials said opponents of the law collected signatures of 47,539 registered voters to force a referendum, 1,411 more than the number required.

The law, approved by the General Assembly last April, would guarantee equal rights for gays and lesbians in housing, employment and places of public accommodation such as restaurants and hotels.

``I think a lot of the debate will be divisive,'' said Gov. Parris Glendening, who made the bill a top priority for the 2001 legislative session. But he said Maryland voters will see the law as a matter of justice and inclusion and predicted that ``it will prevail.''

Republican state Sen. Alex Mooney said the bill was pushed through the legislature by extremists who want to promote a homosexual agenda.

``Naturally, they will be disappointed that they have to make their case to every voter in the state about giving special rights to homosexuals,'' Mooney said.