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Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, it is always a pleasure to be magnanimous in victory. I moved an amendment in Committee to remove Clause 65 because I did not think it appropriate that the Secretary of State should have such wide-ranging powers to remove exemptions which religious groups regarded as fundamental to their existence. The Government have relented, to a degree, and have agreed to place restrictions on the power in Clause 65 to amend those religious protections. Of course, I cannot claim that I am responsible for this government climb-down since it was undoubtedly in deference to the opinion of the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee that these amendments were brought forward. Nevertheless, the amendments are an improvement. All I would say is that I hope Ministers will be exceedingly careful in using the remaining powers to tinker with the protections granted to religious groups. It would be a very serious concern if an executive fiat was used to undermine religious liberties. I also hope that we will be suitably diligent in scrutinising any orders which are brought before the House. On Question, amendment agreed to.