One consequence is that the Basel rules that were so hopelessly flawed have been redrafted, and in the process have become even more complicated and impenetrable.
Head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Basil Hume, had written to him supporting the redrafted clause, after having taken legal advice, said Mr Straw.
Mr Straw said that after the Lords in May passed its amendment aimed at protecting churches from the bill's provisions, he had taken peers' worries on board and redrafted that part of the bill.