The Equalities Bill

The Lords voted to drop controversial clause in the Equality Bill which Church leaders feared could force Churches to ordain women as well as make it difficult for bishops to discipline their priests.

After a heated debate in the Lords this evening, the amendment 100 tabled by Baroness O’Cathain and the Bishop of Winchester among others was passed with 177 to 172. It favoured dropping the offending clause. Another amendment, tabled by the Government clarifying the language of the bill at the last minute failed to be passed with 174 content and 195 not content.