GENDER EQUALITY IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

Early day motion 767, tabled 25 February 2003 by Ann Cryer (Labour). Signed by 107 members.

That this House recognises and pays tribute to the life and achievements of Monica Furling, author and journalist, who died on 14th January; celebrates her commitment to gender equality in the Church of England; calls on the Government to amend the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 to remove the exemption of religious bodies from the provisions of the Act; and calls on the established church to cease forthwith its present discrimination against women priests and accept the need for women bishops.

Signatures by party: Labour 77, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 5, Labour/Co-operative 4, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.