Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

I must say to the noble Lord, Lord Clinton-Davis, that it has been five years since this whole idea was first explored. There was a promise of consultation but, sadly, the Government decided to introduce this Bill and to seek to force it through. The present position, which the Minister has not changed, is that the Government are determined to force the Bill through in its present form. That is why it is important that we respond to the Minister’s invitation to see whether these amendments have widespread support. I wish to test the opinion of the Committee. On Question, Whether the said amendment (No. 1) shall be agreed to? Their Lordships divided: Contents, 260; Not-Contents, 111