Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what discussions the Government has had with the (a) Church of England, (b) Church in Wales and (c) Church of Scotland on those bodies' exemption from equality legislation in terms of (i) appointments and (ii) provision of services.

The Government Equalities Office has recently held discussions with the Church of England, and written to the Church in Wales, about exemptions for hosting opposite-sex civil partnerships on religious premises. We have had no discussions with the Church of Scotland on this matter as the legislation covers England and Wales only.