Equality Bill: Lords second reading
16 December 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
Forty-one Members of the House of Lords contributed to the second reading debate on the main principles of the Equality Bill on 15 December
Experts in discrimination issues discussed subjects covering the gender pay gap and implementing appropriate measures for protection against discrimination.
- Lords Hansard: Equality Bill - second reading debate
- Video & Audio: Equality Bill - second reading debate
- Bills before Parliament: Equality Bill
- Passage of a Bill: Second reading (Lords)
Second reading is the first opportunity for Members of the Lords to debate the main principles and purpose of the Bill and to flag up concerns and areas where they think changes (amendments) are needed.
The Government minister, spokesperson or Member of the Lords responsible for the Bill opens the debate.
Any Member can speak in the debate so this stage can indicate those Members particularly interested in the Bill - or a particular aspect of it - and those who are most likely to be involved in amending the Bill at later stages.
After second reading the Bill goes to committee stage - where detailed line by line examination of the Bill and discussion of amendments takes place.
The first day of committee stage on this Bill is scheduled for 11 January 2010.