Equality Bill Passes Second Reading

This week the Equality Bill - which aims to create a fairer society for all - passed its second reading in The House of Commons.

Leader of the House of Commons and Minister for Equality, Harriet Harman has said that Equality is essential to all, as a matter of principle and of practise.

She said public bodies must "lead the way" in abolishing discrimination, adding the Bill would make Britain "fairer and more prosperous".

The Equality Bill will place a duty on all public bodies to promote equality as it contains measures aimed at tackling social inequality, such as extending protection against discrimination in employment, goods and services in respect of sexual orientation, trans status and age.

However some people have expressed concerns that the Bill may burden businesses at a time of financial pressure, Harman said: "When times are hard it's even more important that everyone feels that they have an equal chance, that we all pull together because we are in the same boat."

Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May described the Bill as "an enormous missed opportunity", criticising many of the recommendations for being "unworkable and bureaucratic".

She also argued that "The country is in deep recession. So it's not the right time for Equality", but added: "I do believe there are ways that we can champion fairness without penalising employers."

A Conservative motion rejecting the Bill was defeated by 322 votes to 139. The Bill will now be considered in more detail by a parliamentary committee.

Many protections which already apply on the basis of sexual orientation will be extended to cover discrimination due to trans status.

Liberal Democrat Lynne Featherstone enquired about trans rights - asking about people who need protection, but don't fit into neat boxes. She also opposed the blood ban on gay men, saying it should be risk-based.

Labour's Patricia Hewitt added that a single Equality law is important because some groups didn't see themselves included in the equality debate, she stressed: "This is a landmark bill - another milestone in a long march to a fairer and more equal society."

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