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Equality Bill

My Lords, I thank noble Lords very much for their support—it seemed that I had the support of 95 per cent of the House for what I had to say. I strongly support gay rights—I have said so on numerous occasions—and I am a great supporter of Stonewall. However, I believe in tolerance. I was deeply shocked by what the noble Baroness, Lady Murphy, said. I do not think that she attributed homophobia to me—at least, I sincerely hope not—because, if she did, she was wrong. She certainly attributed it to the two amendments that I am putting forward. I am shocked that she should see them as deeply homophobic. I certainly do not see them that way and I do not think that other noble Lords do, either. I put forward two amendments in good faith and I am saddened and, I have to say, upset for that to be accused of being deeply homophobic. It is quite true that nine out of the 12 Catholic agencies in this country continue to act as adoption agencies, but they are no longer connected with the Catholic Church. I have the names of every one of those agencies; they are no longer Catholic agencies. The absence of discrimination against one group creates discrimination against another group. The balance is not right. I heard what the noble Lord, Lord Low, had to say, with his customary common sense and wisdom, and I had hoped, because it was what I was going to ask them to do, that the Government would take account of what had been said. It seems clear that the Leader of the House is shutting the door. Consequently, I should reflect on what the position should be. I shall ask advice and I may bring back the two amendments at Third Reading. I give that warning to the Leader, but, for the moment, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 20 withdrawn. Schedule 2 : Services and public functions: reasonable adjustments Schedule 2 : Services and public functions: reasonable adjustments Amendment 20A not moved. Schedule 3 : Services and public functions: exceptions Schedule 3 : Services and public functions: exceptions Amendment 21 not moved. Amendment 22 Moved by