Equality Bill

My Lords, noble Lords might recall that at Second Reading and on the second day of Committee I expressed my fear that the Christian church was being marginalised in this country. I believe that the Government understand this, hence their own amendment, but like other Christians I believe that their stance does not go far enough. I shall therefore vote for Amendment 98, moved by the noble Baroness, Lady O’Cathain, and supported by the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Winchester and my noble friend Lord Anderson. If the amendment fails to be accepted, I will not oppose the Government’s amendment simply because half a loaf is better than no bread at all. It was my Christian faith that guided me into the trade union and political movements and that led me to be for the abolition of the capital punishment long before it was abolished in this country. My support for my Labour Government is second only to my Christian faith. The standards and morals of the Christian church makes this country a much better place, and I shall always oppose any measures that seek to marginalise the Christian church.