Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and Baroness Featherstone

Thursday 19th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the Government do not intend to redefine religious marriage, but that they intend to extend equal marriage to civil and religious ceremonies?

[Lynne Featherstone]

I thank my hon. Friend for that clarification. That is exactly the case: we are not touching religious marriage or redefining marriage. Religious people may continue to believe that marriage can be only between a man and a woman. That is not the state’s view. We do not take the Orwellian view that

“All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and Baroness Featherstone

Thursday 5th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

4. What recent progress she has made on the consultation on the future of civil partnerships.

[The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone)]

Earlier this year, we announced our intention to remove the ban in England and Wales on civil partnership registrations being held on religious premises. A consultation document seeking views on the practical changes needed to implement that provision was published on 31 March. We believe that this voluntary provision is a positive step forward for same-sex couples and for religious freedom.

[Stephen Gilbert]

Does the Minister agree that, when it comes to equality before the law, there can be no such thing as “almost equal”? Bearing that in mind, what further steps will the Government take to end the inequality in marriage and civil partnership rights between straight and homosexual couples?

[Lynne Featherstone]

Yes, I agree that “equal rights” means “equal rights”, not “similar rights” or “nearly but not quite as good” rights. Having listened to stakeholders, it is clear that there is a genuine desire among many of them to move forward to equality between marriage and civil partnerships. Over the summer we shall start a discussion with all those with an interest in the matter on how legislation can develop.