So peers have backed the second reading of the marriage (same sex couples) bill, and against an amendment from Lord Dear calling for the legislation to be dropped. Dear’s attempt to kill the bill was defeated 390 votes to 148, and the second reading passed without a vote.
I’ve blogged before that the House of Lords may yet prove to be a more liberal place than it seems on this issue, but those in favour of gay marriage shouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The defeat for Dear’s amendment is a blow for opponents of equal marriage, but committee stage and report stage will offer plenty of opportunity for them to table wrecking amendments: remember it was at report stage in the Commons that Tim Loughton’s amendment was considered such a threat to the Bill’s security. Nevertheless, such a resounding defeat for the Dear amendment will make it much more difficult for opponents to pressure the government into offering concessions in the next stages of scrutiny. They are highly unlikely to gain sufficient support for wrecking amendments and ministers can easily brush aside demands by pointing out that the House has spoken.
The vote is also another reminder of the Lords’ incredible instinct for self-preservation. Many of the speeches in favour of the legislation contained warnings that to reject the bill when it had enjoyed such support in the Commons would damage the Lords’ standing. There’s nothing like the threat of reform to concentrate the mind.
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