Equality (Marriage) (Amendment) Bill

A Bill to amend the protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010 to include a person’s conscientious beliefs about the definition of marriage; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Edward LeighConservative

Parliament last updated

26 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The bill would add a new protected characteristic to the Equality Act 2010: a person’s conscientious beliefs about what marriage means. This means discrimination or unfair treatment based on those beliefs could be unlawful, in the same way as other protected characteristics. It covers areas governed by equality law such as employment and access to services.

Key Points

Adds a new protected characteristic: conscientious beliefs about the definition of marriage.
IGHt protects people who hold such beliefs from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Introduced in the House of Commons as a Private Members’ Bill by Sir Edward Leigh (Conservative).
First reading in the Commons was on 29 January 2013; current stage is second reading in the Commons.
Policy focus: Equality & Civil Rights.

Progress

The bill originated in the Commons, with its first reading in 2013-01-29, and is currently at the second reading stage in the Commons.

Who is affected?

Individuals who hold conscientious beliefs about the definition of marriageEmployers, service providers, and organisations covered by the Equality Act 2010 (in areas like employment and goods/services)Public bodies and institutions applying equality duties

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

29 Jan 2013

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Equality (Marriage) (Amendment)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 128 2012-13 (as introduced)

BillCommons

27 Feb 2013

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.