Attempt to reverse equality legislation on civil partnerships withdrawn in parliament

A motion which would reintroduce a ban on civil partnerships in religious premises has been withdrawn by Baroness O’Cathain, following a debate dominated by opposition to her ‘prayer motion’. The British Humanist Association (BHA) welcomed the withdrawing of the motion but commented that the law in relation to civil partnerships and marriage remains ‘far from equal’ and called for further reform.In March 2010, an amendment tabled by Lord Alli gained cross-party support to remove the ban on civil partnerships being held on religious premises. The amendment was designed to be permissive, and