Featured image credit: Aardvark of Fnord, Flickr
The motion that would have banned civil partnerships from being performed in religious premises was defeated this afternoon in the House of Lords.
Conservative Baroness O’Cathain – who wanted the Alli amendment scrapped from the Equality Act – withdrew just moments before a vote was to be called after receiving very little support.
Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall, said: ‘Christmas has come early for equality. We’re delighted that a campaign of misinformation surrounding this issue has today been seen off by the House of Lords… This was an important issue of religious freedom.
‘Today’s debate reminds us that there are still vocal opponents of equality for the 3.7 million people in this country who happen to be gay. We trust that Baroness O’Cathain and her supporters will now have a little more free time during which to celebrate the second most important festival in the Christian calendar.’
The Alli amendment was incorporated into the Equality Act in the spring of 2010. It made it possible for civil partnerships to be held within religious establishments if they agreed to it.
Despite there being a clause – section 202 – that clearly stated any who do not wish to do so have that right, O’Cathain argued that they wouldn’t truly have a choice as they would be obliged.
A recent Gaydar.co.uk survey showed that 40% of the 6,300 gay men asked would want to marry their partner in a church.
One in ten gay men are waiting for the church to open its doors to gay marriage, and today’s triumph for equality is another step forward. It also bodes well for next years proposed consultation within government on how to implement equal marriage for same-sex couples.
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