Equality Bill [Lords]

I should like to begin by expressing my support for the Bill. The words of the Minister were right and the time is right. However, I have some issues with the detail of the Bill, which I shall come to in a moment. First, I want to discuss some of the comments that have been made—mainly by Conservative Members, I have to say—on the religious aspects of the provisions. As a practising Christian, I have to say that the vast majority of Christians attach no stigma to sexual orientation. My hon. Friend the Member for Castle Point (Bob Spink) talked about this British society—I cannot remember his exact words—and I would refer him to the Old Testament, which talks about sojourners in foreign lands. The sojourners we have had in our land have given us a multi-ethnic, multicultural, rich and diverse society, and it is they who need the protection of the Bill, because sometimes, as a result of malice or ignorance, situations have arisen that require more robust legislation.