DIVORCE LAW.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17119, 14 April 1921, Page 7

DIVORCE LAW.

WARM DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS. LAWYERS v. THE CHURCH. (By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) (Australian and N.2. Cable Association.) (Received April 13th, 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, April 12. An outspoken discussion took place in the House of Lords on Lord Gorell's Bill, whidh seeks to remedy the defects in the present divorce law. The Archbishop of Canterbury said he was prepared to support the Bill provided it did not change the basis of the existing law. Lord Birkenhead, Lord High Chancellor, sharply remarked that, the House claimed to view the subject as a whole. This measure did not touch, the worst and most pressing evils. The divergence of the views of the Bishops and the lawyers widened when Lord Buekmaster moved an amendment making three years'- desertion a ground for divorce. The Bishop of Norwich said this would make the marriage vows a light thing. Lord Haldane reminded the Bishop* that the Church must eventually boir to public opinion. The Archbishop of York replied that if the amendment was carried "ths Bishops would refuse further support to the measure. Lord Gurell added that, he also would wash his hands of tho Bill. Lord Buekmaster said ho was prepared to assume responsibility for the Bill. The amendment was carried by 06 votes to 48.