David Cameron and Ruth Kelly among MPs who voted against lesbian rights
The government argued that the consideration has been used to disciminate against lesbians and single women, and they defeated the amendment, which was proposed by former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith.
All three main parties gave their MPs a free vote on the issue during yesterday’s committee stage of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
Labour members will be expected to support the entire bill during its later stages. Lib Dem and Tory MPs are free to vote with their conscience.
Doctors will now consider if women who are candidates for fertility treatment will provide a child with supportive parenting.
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott also voted against the amendment.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham and Secretary of State for Wales Paul Murphy voted for the amendment, but another prominent Roman Catholic, the Secretary of State for Defence and Scotland, Des Browne, voted against.
Former Lib Dem leader Sir Ming Campbell and his successor Nick Clegg both voted against the amendment as did the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond.
Former Labour MP and minister Clare Short also supported the amendment, but it was defeated by 292 votes to 217.
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