Civil Partnership Bill – Lords give final approval – 17th November 2004

The Civil Partnership Bill passed its final hurdle in the House of Lords this evening (17th November 2004) despite an expensive and bitterly fought campaign by right wing Christian groups who had struggled to derail its progress.

The governments original Bill had been the victim of a wrecking amendment supported by a coalition of anti-gay interests which sought to introduce a wide range of people who could have registered their partnerships.

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement and other LGBT groups conducted a successful campaign in the Commons to see these amendments removed and were also successful in seeing they were not reintroduced at the last minute in the Lords.

Speaking from the House of Lords after the debate LGCM’s general secretary, the Reverend Richard Kirker welcomed the Bill as a first step in the full equality of lesbian and gay partnerships in our society:

“We see this as just the beginning of the legislation necessary to bring full equality to lesbian gay couples and families.” He said.

“We remain deeply committed to the removal of all legal distinctions that discriminate against the homosexual community and will continue to press for the removal of all that puts lesbian and gay families at a disadvantage.

“Once again this points up the growing deep division in our society between the Church and State in their attitudes to LGBT families. For many the Church appears to be at war with lesbian and gay people. Sadly it seems the Church continues to be determined to create prodigals rather than to welcome them.”

Ends