Lynne Featherstone MP
Minister of State
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

8th August 2011

Dear Lynne,

Thank you for your letter of 13th July. I appreciate your explanation of the Government's position but am at a loss as to why there will be a further delay in ending sexual orientation discrimination regarding civil partnerships and marriage because of another round of consultation. This is simply extending what should be a simple process. It is unjust that homosexual couples cannot get married and that heterosexual couples are unable to obtain civil partnerships - the Government appears to recognise this so should be acting immediately to bring forward legislation to end such discrimination.
There is also widespread public support for such a move, as evidenced by a Times poll from June 2009, which shows that 61% of the public backs a move to full equality in this area, with only 33% against.
Equality is a fundamental human right and is non-negotiable. Endless consultation only creates the opposite impression. I would, therefore, urge you to press for a definitive timetable for the satisfactory resolution of this issue as a way of avoiding yet more delays. I very much hope that the next stage of consultation can be completed by the end of this year, and a Bill can be brought before the House of Commons ahead of next summer recess at the very latest.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion

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