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Cautious Welcome for Civil Partnership Bill


Michael Howard: Will vote for Civil Partnership Bill

Gay Conservatives have given a cautious welcome to the Government's Civil Partnership Bill, published today.

James Davenport, Chairman, of Gay Conservatives, said that it would confer important rights and responsibilities onto gay couples who chose to enter into a civil partnership. 'These are rights and responsibilities that gay couples need and deserve. The Bill will make a major difference to peoples' daily lives'.

But he warned that Conservatives would be scrutinising the detail of the Bill to ensure that the Government is not providing a 'half-hearted' measure: 'Alan Duncan, who will lead for the Conservative

Key Quote
I will support the Government's Civil Partnerships Bill
Michael Howard
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Party on this, has said that he will be looking to see whether the Bill should be amended to take its provisions further, for example on pensions'.

Earlier this year, Michael Howard indicated his strong support for civil partnerships. In a speech entitled 'The British Dream', he said, 'It is in all our interests to encourage the voluntary acceptance of such shared responsibilities – but in some instances the State actively discourages it. That should change, and I will support the Government's Civil Partnerships Bill that makes some important reforms.'

Gay Conservative leaders welcomed Mr Howard's support. Deputy Chairman Cllr Michael Vearncombe said that it was an important step in securing the Parliamentary Party's overwhelming support for the measure. 'Michael Howard is providing a strong lead for Conservative MPs on this issue. We warmly welcome his support, which is a major step in advancing this important cause'.

The Civil Partnerships Bill has received massive support from all quarters, including a majority of national religious organisations. The only serious opposition has been from a curious alliance of the hardline Christian Institute and the militant OutRage! and Queer Youth Alliance.