Written question asked by Andrew Selous (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 July 2006. It was answered by Meg Munn (Labour) on Monday, 4 September 2006 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Sexual Orientation Regulations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Sexual Orientation Regulations will require (a) Anglican churches and (b) churches of other denominations to perform civil partnership services in their churches; whether the Regulations will apply to teaching in Sunday Schools; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 24 July 2006] A consultation on proposals to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services through regulations to be made under Part 3 of the Equality Act closed on 5 June. The consultation made clear that the Government considers that it is very important that the application of these regulations to religious activities should be clearly defined and understood and proposed that activities closely linked to religious observance or practices that arise from the basic doctrines of a faith should be exempted from the regulations. The proposed exemption for religious organisations will be available to both Anglican churches and churches of other denominations and we are currently considering what activities should be covered by the exemption in the light of the consultation findings.A civil partnership cannot be registered on religious premises. Registering a civil partnership is an entirely secular process and the Civil Partnership Act prohibits any religious service from taking place during the registration.

Secondary information