Proceeding contribution from Baroness Howe of Idlicote (Crossbench) in the House of Lords on Monday, 25 January 2010. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Equality Bill.

Equality Bill

I also support Amendment 119A. It is quite clear from the briefings, which we have had from all sides, that this is a permissive, not a mandatory clause. If the Church of England wishes to continue in the way it always has, then that is entirely a matter for it. I am sure it will be able to stand up to whatever extra pressure is put as time goes on. On the churches that clearly want to be allowed to do this, if the particular organisation, church, priest or whoever is in charge wishes to perform such a ceremony, we should allow what people at other churches want. I support the amendment.

Secondary information

Type: Proceeding contribution
Reference: 716 c1202-3
Session: 2009-10
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Disability Conditions of employment Civil partnerships Care homes Adoption Armed forces Clergy Employment Equality Homosexuality EU law Fire and rescue services Discrimination Dismissal Marriage Police Public sector Religion Sexuality Transgender people
Legislation: Equality Bill 2008-09 to 2009-10
Link: View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk

Equality Bill

Secondary information

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