Clause 18

Part of Equality Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 7:00 pm ar 16 Mehefin 2009.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Evan Harris Evan Harris Shadow Science Minister 7:00, 16 Mehefin 2009

I take the hon. Lady’s point, but I want to make a couple of brief points. It is not satisfactory to argue for special protection for religion while at the same time arguing that it should be treated the same in every other way. That is asking for special treatment on the basis of doctrinal and ethical teachings. In fact, religion already benefits, because political statements of view receive no protection at all under discrimination, whereas arguably quite contentious views founded on religion benefit from some protection albeit, as we know from our previous debates on direct discrimination, not as many.