Results 1-4 of 4 for gay speaker:Mark Harper

Public Bill Committee: Equality Bill: Schedule 22 (2 Jul 2009)

Mark Harper: As the Minister said, certainly not the resurrection. Let us take the hon. Gentleman’s specific example where two parents are gay—presumably they have adopted a child. If that child went to a school where they were taught that homosexuality is sinful, it would be difficult for the child. Why on earth would parents in that position have chosen to send their child to a faith school...

Public Bill Committee: Equality Bill: Clause 143 (30 Jun 2009)

Mark Harper: ...right. It also introduces a new public sector Equality Duty”— which is why it is relevant here— “which means that local authorities will have to consider the needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people when they are planning their policies and services, including adoption services.”—[Official Report, 23 June 2009; Vol. 494, c. 794-5W.] My concern is that when...

Public Bill Committee: Equality Bill: Schedule 9 (23 Jun 2009)

Mark Harper: ...to be reasonable or proportionate. The Government was engaged in striking a delicate balance”— the Committee acknowledges that it is a balance— “between the employment rights of gay and lesbian people, and the right of religious groups to freedom of religion. The Government took the view that it is not appropriate for courts or tribunals to make such judgments, and that...

Public Bill Committee: Equality Bill: Clause 10 (16 Jun 2009)

Mark Harper: ...that someone cannot be a believer in that religion because of one of the protected  characteristics. There is nothing in Catholic teaching that says someone cannot be a Roman Catholic if they are gay. On the hon. Gentleman’s particular point about employment, which we will come on to later, the teaching does say that if, for example, someone wants to be employed in a particular...