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Friday, March 23, 2007

Sexual equality regulations

There was an excellent debate in the Lords last Wednesday. The regulations include the contentious issue of gay adoption. I won't go through the arguments as I think several of the speeches cover the views very well.

I was going to speak but Baroness Howarth of Breckland said everything I wanted to say about the adoption issue and Lord Smith (Chris Smith the ex cabinet minister) also made a powerful speech in favour. The best speech in my view came from Lord Alli - he made a very powerful point about religion and how it should not be allowed to discriminate and he drew on an example in the Koran - read it via the link below.

A good speech against was made by Lady O'Caithain who moved the amendment that was defeated. Her speech is at the beginning so you need to follow the Hansard pages backwards to find it.

I actually thought the vote had been lost because I could see so many going into the 'No' lobby - fortunately (imv) I was wrong.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70321-0013.htm

Agree with you. Well done Lord Soley!

Hello Clive, I hope this finds you well. I still read your blog entries, as soon as they appear, through my newsfeed. I'm looking forward to reading more of today's intriguing news re rumours of Tony Blair as new roving minister for africa and middle east!

Yesterday, I voted by post and found the two ballot papers slightly confusing ... could find no deadline for actual posting date ... found it confusing being able to vote for more than one person on each form ... it took time, like a Blue Peter project, requiring sorting/sticking/writing/labelling/reading/concentration/specs. Mine was mailed by prepaid 1st class stamp (to Dorchester) May 2nd but only because I made arrangements for someone to pick up and post in time for May 3 local elections. (I wonder how many people gave up at this point). My point is, when ill, one has to be really motivated to vote by post. I was surprised to see I could vote for more than one person. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of postal votes are lost.

Best wishes.
It'd be great if you could let us know when you are on tv and/or radio. I have a great new tv enabling me to tune in to radio and parliamentary tv. I'm still hoping to see Cherie Blair as PM: 2 for price of 1!