Dan Boyle (Green Party)

——on what he sees as ideals in society. However, the Civil Partnership Bill is very much a part of the programme for Government. In itself, it is a compromise of the positions of both parties in government. The Green Party's position on civil partnership is stronger than what is likely to be introduced in the Bill. Nonetheless, it is a development in legislation that will deal with many people in our society who are in partnerships other than the predominant type, that is, religiously recognised relationships or heterosexual relationships. There is a large number of people in our society for whom legislation must be introduced so that they are afforded equal treatment under law. It is on that basis that a law will be enacted and I look forward to positive contributions to the debate on the Bill when it comes before the House.