During report stage debate on the bill on 2 December 2009, shadow business minister John Penrose said wording in the Equality Bill could mean employers discriminating in favour of minority applicants rather than handing out jobs purely on merit.
His Equality (Marriage) (Amendment) Bill is designed to provide legal protection for those who back the current definition of marriage - he points to the case of a man demoted at work for comments on Facebook that gay marriage was "an equality too far" - and he wants to make sure people like teachers, foster carers and others are not disciplined for their beliefs.
In the meantime, a California lawmaker, State Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Los Angeles) introduced California Senate Bill 323, also known as the Youth Equality Act.
Today's Conservatives have supported the government's Race Relations Amendment Bill, which extends existing legislation on racial equality to the police, and imposes new duties on public authorities actively to promote equality.
Hundreds of jubilant gay-rights advocates celebrated outside parliament after the bill was passed, calling it a milestone for equality.
That is why we back the Assembly Commission's draft Bill and oppose the amendment proposed by the communities, equality and local government committee.
The subject is also to be taught in a way that promotes equality, accepts diversity and emphasises both rights and responsibilities, the Bill says.
Tim Hopkins from the Equality Network agreed that he had not had time to consult on this bill as he had only seen the bill when it was published at the end of last week.
The Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee were taking evidence on the general principles of the bill from representatives of the WLGA and One Voice Wales, the organisation that represents and provides support services to community and town councils in Wales.
The SDLP called for the bill to be delayed for 30 days in order to hold a special committee to consider the equality implications of the measure under Section 75 of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act.
"Entrance to our great colleges and universities must be based upon merit, and I remain optimistic moving forward in our fight for equality, fairness and rule of law at our nation's highest court, " said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, a Republican and supporter of the measure, after the case was granted Monday.
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