Yesterday the Report Stage of the Equality Bill was completed in the House of Lords. Votes were taken on the socio-economic duty, the public sector equality duty in relation to religion or belief, and on civil partnership ceremonies in religious buildings. Of particular interest in relation to race equality, amendments were agreed to add 'caste' as an aspect of race, and for political parties to publish information on the diversity of its candidates.

Now the House of Lords Report Stage is complete, the bill requires a third reading in the Lords, followed by a consideration of Lords amendments by both houses. The parliament website provides a useful timetable of the bill, as well as a transcript of yesterday's debate.