Equalities Minister announces Lords Equality amendment will not be contested.

According to a report in the Times today (3rd of February) Harriet Harman announced that the Government would not be challenging the Lords decision to amend the Equality Bill to protect religious groups’ employment freedoms.

On the 25th of January the Lords rejected proposals to narrow the freedom of religious bodies to insist that successful job applicants live the faith with respect to sexual ethics. Following further criticisms of the legislation from the Pope (reported Feb 1st) – which have been backed by many religious groups – Ms Harman has now confirmed the Government will not seek to overturn the Lords decision.

Nola Leach Chief Executive of CARE welcomed the announcement. ‘It is a very great relief that the Government have decided to accept the Lords decision. This is a great day for religious liberty.’

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