Labour's Equality Bill has been approved for Royal Assent having survived the "wash-up". The "wash-up" period refers to the last few days of a Parliament, after the election has been announced but before dissolution, a period where Bill can be lost completely.

The House of Lords has agreed to the part of the Bill which allows civil partnerships to take place in religious buildings. Also, the Lords added clauses which will ensure protection against harassment for pregnant schoolgirls and young mothers.

Solicitor General Vera Baird said she "regretted" that peers voted to allow churches to refuse employment to gays and transsexuals.