The foster couple who quit rather than be forced to promote gay rights have signed the “equalities promise” document at the centre of the row.

But last night it was still unclear whether they would resume care of the 11-year-old foster son they returned to social services.

Pauline and Vincent Matherick, from Chard, Somerset, had refused to sign Somerset County Council’s new contract to implement Labour’s new Sexual Orientation Regulations. The contract was introduced as part of the 2006 Equality Act, which makes discrimination on the grounds of sexuality illegal.

The couple, committed Christians and foster carers to 28 children since 2001, had gained the impression that the contract would force them to promote homosexuality as a lifestyle, which they said they could not do on grounds of conscience.

As a result they resigned as foster carers and relinquished care of the boy they had been looking after, who remains in the child unit where he was taken last Friday.

In a jointly agreed statement, the County Council said yesterday they did not expect the Mathericks to promote homosexuality.

“This issue has aroused huge public interest and strong feelings,” the council said: “They [the Mathericks] have no problem in signing Somerset’s Equalities Promise, which includes an expectation not to discriminate unfairly for reasons of sex, marital status, caring responsibilities or sexual orientation.”

The council continued: “We all agree that the welfare of children is paramount. It is absolutely vital that people come forward as foster carers. This issue may have damaged the image of fostering at a time when vulnerable children need caring homes and Mr and Mrs Matherick join with Somerset County Council in encouraging people to consider fostering.”

The council said it welcomed foster carers from all backgrounds and faiths.

A spokesman for the couple said they had won the right to have their personal convictions and conscientious objections recognised. “The Mathericks hope now to continue to foster children as before.”

Andrea Williams of Christian Concern For Our Nation said: “This is a significant step forward for Christian freedoms in that the Council has agreed not to force Mr and Mrs Matherick to act against their Christian beliefs. This should be of enormous encouragement to all Christians who want to take up the important role of caring for vulnerable children.”