Civil Partnership Bill [Lords]
2:30 pm
Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey, Labour)
On a point of order, Mr. Cook. I rise because I had occasion earlier today to read Hansard for the third sitting on Thursday 21 October. This issue arises because I did not check the record before it was printed, as one has a chance to do, and I apologise to the Committee for that.
In my speech, which begins in column 104, I used the phrase ''gay and lesbian people'' rather a lot. However, Hansard has recorded ''gay'' but missed out ''lesbian''. In some areas, ''gay'' refers overwhelmingly to men and does not include women. I just want to make it clear on the record, if that is possible, that I said ''gay and lesbian'' and that all my references to ''gay'' in Hansard also refer to lesbians. Part of the trouble that lesbians have is that they are invisible, and I do not want to be seen to fall into that trap. I request that Hansard include the word ''lesbian'' if it passes my lips.