Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill

Debate between Lord Cormack and Lord Singh of Wimbledon

Monday 17th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon]

I am happy to answer that point. Any freedom of speech should be open. It should be there, but it should not be the freedom to denigrate anyone. That is the boundary. You can express an opinion, but if you denigrate other people that is wrong.

[Lord Cormack]

Surely the noble Lord will agree that all the clergyman in question sought to do was enunciate orthodox Christian beliefs. That is not in any way analogous to making racist comments.

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon]

I thank the noble Lord for that intervention. That is absolutely true. As a Sikh, expressing my beliefs in public should not subject me to harassment in any way. Clearly, some people have a problem respecting the beliefs of those who believe in traditional marriage. Rather than equality law protecting—