This is just to let you know that very late on 2nd March Stonewall’s latest amendment to the Equality Bill – to permit civil partnerships to be held in religious premises – was passed in the House of Lords by 95 votes to 21. For those denominations involved – including Quakers and the Liberal Jews – this is a very important step forward and, as we argued throughout, an important matter of religious freedom.
This vote is also hugely important to those lesbian and gay people of faith (and, as Lady Neuberger pointed out, to their Jewish mothers too!) who wish to celebrate their civil partnerships in their own place of worship. Lord Alli tabled the amendment for us and peers across parties supported the measure, including Norman Fowler, former chairman of the Conservative Party.
Sadly, the government continued to oppose the amendment although offered its backbenchers a free vote after the Conservative Party had offered the same. Ministers have known for some months that we intended to table this measure and we regret that the government didn't stand up to the bullying it had faced from the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church on this issue. We'll now work closely with ministers to ensure that we secure implementation of this further step towards equality.
We couldn’t campaign in the way we do without the support of so many thousands of people across Britain. Thank you again for all your help.
Best wishes,
Stonewall
