Protection for discrimination in offering of blessings

Submitted by penwing on Thu, 06/13/2013 - 15:55

Bill:

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill 2013

Stage:

LordsC

Proposer:

Lord Carey of Clifton

Verdict:

Bad

Synopsis:

This amendment seeks to extend the Bill's current provision for exempting public services from rules banning discrimination, harassment or victimisation based on same-sex marriage and extends it to the offering of blessing of such unions too.

This is Number 15 in the Marshalled List of amendments to be discussed 17th June. For the discussions on the amendments see here.

Commentary:

The problems I identify with this section of the Bill also apply to this amendment.

Amendment:

Page 4, line 20, at end insert—
(2) A person does not contravene section 29 only because the person—
(a) does not conduct a service of blessing for a relevant marriage, or
(b) is not present at, does not carry out, or does not otherwise participate in, a service of blessing for a relevant marriage, or
(c) does not consent to a service of blessing for a relevant marriage being conducted,

for the reason that the marriage is the marriage of a same sex couple.””

Bill Text:

(6) In Schedule 3 to the Equality Act 2010 (services and public functions: exceptions), after Part 6 insert—
“ Part 6A
Marriage of same sex couples in England and Wales

25A Marriage according to religious rites: no compulsion to solemnize etc
(1)A person does not contravene section 29 only because the person—
(a)does not conduct a relevant marriage,
(b)is not present at, does not carry out, or does not otherwise participate in, a relevant marriage, or
(c)does not consent to a relevant marriage being conducted,
for the reason that the marriage is the marriage of a same sex couple.

(2) A person does not contravene section 29 only because the person—
(a) does not conduct a service of blessing for a relevant marriage, or
(b) is not present at, does not carry out, or does not otherwise participate in, a service of blessing for a relevant marriage, or
(c) does not consent to a service of blessing for a relevant marriage being conducted,

for the reason that the marriage is the marriage of a same sex couple.

(2)Expressions used in this paragraph and in section 2 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 have the same meanings in this paragraph as in that section.”.