The crucial third reading of England and Wales’ marriage equality bill will happen in the early hours of Tuesday morning, New Zealand time, in the House of Lords. Attempts to attach wrecking amendments to the Bill, such as a clause which would have ‘protected’ teachers from ‘promoting’ equal marriage, have been shot down. A rally will be held outside the House of Lords for a public rally in support of equal marriage as peers debate the Bill on Monday from 3PM [2AM Tuesday in New Zealand]. The Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 4 June by 390 to 148 votes, a majority of 242, surviving a fatal motion moved by Lord Dear designed to stop its progress. The Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons with a majority of 205 on 21 May. The Bill’s Second Reading in the House of Commons on 5 February passed by 400 to 175 votes.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 12th July 2013 - 12:20pm