The Gender Recognition Bill
I have received further briefings and material from a number of Christian lobby organisations as well as a couple of emails and letters on this issue. I have written to Lord Filkin to clarify some of the claims made by the EA and Christian Institute in particular. I have met with representatives of the EA to discuss their concerns too.
Having heard all of the information and clarification I do not believe it would be right to block this Bill. The claims made by the lobbyists do not seem to be well founded, and the protection they seek sems to be covered adequately by the current legislation and the intentions of the Bill as set out by Lord Filkin.
May 2004
Having received a small number of representations on both sides of the argument I voted for the Bill at Second Reading.
The main opposition to the Bill has come from some Christians who have expressed their general and specific opposition to a number of points. I feel these have been dealt with adequately in the Lords amendments and discussions. However, I will look at the technical points again when the Bill returns at Report Stage.
Full Details of the Bill are here:-
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200304/ldbills/004/2004004.pdf