Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Diana Johnson Excerpts
Thursday 10th January 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Maria Miller Portrait Maria Miller
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I understand the importance of the question that my hon. Friend asks, but I would say that the legislation that we are working on is about how we can ensure that marriage is broadened, in terms of the number of people who can participate in it, rather than about broadening civil partnerships.

Diana Johnson Portrait Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)
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In those discussions, will the Minister be able to raise the issue of the vote in Synod on not allowing women bishops? I am sure that she would like to assist the Church in making progress on that issue.

Maria Miller Portrait Maria Miller
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We have already had debates in the House on the role of women in the Church, and I note that there are now more women than men being ordained in the Church, which is very important. It is a matter for the Church of England to put forward proposals in this area, to ensure that its role is as relevant to our society today as it always has been.