Sexual Orientation Regulations

I watched a substantial part of the debate in the House of Lords (on the parliamentary website).

The debate was of a high standard and conducted generally very politely. Lord Lester got a bit of barracking but that because he was going on a bit.

It should be noted that the main support for the 'wrecking' amendment came from those who asked for more time for reflection or consideration of the details. There was very little outright opposition to the principle of the regulations.

There were powerful speeches in favour of the regulations from Lord Smith and Lord Alli. The latter made the point that the demonstrations from the Religious Right outside Parliament appeared to have children as young as six holding placards of homophobic abuse - thus confirming the need for the regulations.

Perhaps the most persuasive speech came from Lady Howarth who, speaking as a Christian woman, said that she found nothing incompatible with her Christan faith in the regulations but rather that the regulations were entirely consistent with Christian principles.

The wrecking amendment was defeated by 168-122. And in that vote it must be remembered that most of those supporting the amendment were merely asking for more time for reflection.

The Regulations were then approved without a division.

The House of Commons had earlier approved the regulations by 310-100 - and again a lot of the anti votes were people merely unhappy with the procedure.

Parliament has spoken - and has spoken to accept gay people with respect compassion and sensitivity and to avoid every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard.