Abortion, IVF for lesbians, genetically-modified babies, and a proposed incitement to 'homophobic' hatred offence can all be expected to feature in the coming session of Parliament.
These issues relate to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill and the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which were announced by the Queen as she officially opened Parliament for its 2007/08 session.
The Queen's Speech is part of the annual State Opening of Parliament. It marks the transition between Parliamentary sessions, reviewing the previous session and outlining the Government's agenda for the next.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill proposes changes to the law on fertility treatment. It would remove the assumption that a child needs a father, making it easier for lesbian couples and single women to become pregnant by artificial means.
The Bill also opens the door for the creation of animal-human hybrid embryos for research, and it proposes to allow cloning techniques which will result in some babies having two genetic mothers and one genetic father.
In addition, it is widely expected that MPs on both sides of the abortion debate will take advantage of the scope of the Bill to propose changes to the abortion law.
A law against incitement to 'homophobic' hatred has been announced by the Government and is expected to be included as an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill. A draft amendment is expected before the end of November.
The free speech implications of these proposals have already attracted much controversy, and are expected to continue to do so over the coming months.
The Christian Institute has produced responses for the consultations on both Bills.
Read our response to:
The draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill (now called the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill)
