MIAMI -- Miami-Dade County’s gay rights ordinance withstood a challenge from Christian conservatives, as voters rejected a proposal to repeal the law.

The county’s political and business leaders had pushed for the ordinance’s retention, fearing a boycott from gay and liberal groups and the rejection of the region’s bid to hold the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

With 727 of the 754 precincts, or 96 percent, reporting in Tuesday’s primary, 150,316 votes, or 53 percent, were against repealing the law, while 133,299 votes, or 47 percent, were in favor.

The measure would have repealed an amendment to the county’s human rights ordinance that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, lending and public accommodations.

Supporters and opponents of the ordinance waited until Wednesday night for a final tally of votes as elections officials wrangled with technical glitches and other problems that delayed the county’s ballot count.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, an outspoken supporter of the law, said the repeal’s defeat reinforced Miami’s image as a progressive, world-class city.

“All ethnic groups were on the same page today on this issue,” Penelas said. “There’s no room for discrimination of any sort — we’re a community of inclusion and we sent a very strong message.”

Eladio Jose Armesto of Take Back Miami-Dade, a coalition that spearheaded the repeal effort, said only a rigged vote could have resulted in victory for the law’s supporters, and planned to call for an investigation into the matter. The Christian Coalition was one of the coalition’s key members.

“Anti-repeal forces are in control of the mayor’s office and the department of elections,” Armesto said.

A similar ordinance was repealed in 1977 after former beauty queen and orange juice spokeswoman Anita Bryant led a successful campaign for its repeal.

Gay rights were restored in 1998 after a new ordinance was passed into law.

Lorri Jean, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said voters’ endorsement of the ordinance confirms the country’s growing acceptance of gays and lesbians.

“The victory is sweet,” she said. “Miami-Dade has come a long way.”