Part of Equality Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 7:00 pm ar 16 Mehefin 2009.
This is to probe why pregnancy and maternity are omitted from the list of protected characteristics for indirect discrimination.
The amendment probes why pregnancy and maternity are omitted from the list of protected characteristics for indirect discrimination. I understand that there is an argument that by definition it would be indirect discrimination on the basis of gender, but I would argue that it probably would do no harm to have a list that is consistent throughout the Bill. Therefore, the question at least deserves an answer that is not totally dismissive. In order to help us make progress, I will leave my remarks at that point.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
As a bill passes through Parliament, MPs and peers may suggest amendments - or changes - which they believe will improve the quality of the legislation.
Many hundreds of amendments are proposed by members to major bills as they pass through committee stage, report stage and third reading in both Houses of Parliament.
In the end only a handful of amendments will be incorporated into any bill.
The Speaker - or the chairman in the case of standing committees - has the power to select which amendments should be debated.
