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Forwarded message from Ben Summerskill, chief executive, Stonewall

 


I’M DELIGHTED to be able to let you know that, on Monday evening, the House of Lords passed the new Fertilisation & Embryology Bill. It will end the patronising requirement for fertility clinics to cross-examine lesbian couples about their parental arrangements.
That requirement was inserted into the law shortly after the introduction of Section 28, and was just as demeaning. It has also deterred many couples from using the medically safe environment of fertility clinics for fear of embarrassment or rejection. Under the provisions of the new Bill, the children of lesbian and gay couples will also now have the protection of having both their parents named on their birth certificate, although they won’t be deprived of the – proper – right to know their biological parentage too.
Once again, the Bill has exposed some deeply unpleasant prejudices among members of the House of Lords. But it also saw some deeply moving speeches from supporters, including Lord Alli, Lady Howarth and Lord Carlile.

The Bill now has to go to the House of Commons (because it started its parliamentary passage in the Lords). Without a doubt, we’ll face the same bogus arguments against equality that we’ve seen during the last few weeks. There will be further attempts to wreck it.

Equality in family life is every bit as important as equality at work or at school. We’ll continue to work tirelessly to secure this historic step forward.

Thank you for your ongoing support for equality.