Bill · started in the Commons
Royal Marriages and Succession to the Crown (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill
A Bill to make provision to remove discrimination in respect of Royal marriages and succession to the Crown.
In progress
Current stage: 2nd reading (Commons)
The story so farThe Royal Marriages and Succession to the Crown (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 21 January 2009 by Dr Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat). It is now at second reading in the House of Commons. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.
What the bill does
<p>The line of succession for the UK monarchy follows the hereditary principle with certain restrictions. The Crown passes to males ahead of females, and the monarch can neither be nor marry a Roman Catholic. Any heir that marries a Catholic is removed from the line of succession.</p><p><strong>Key areas<br></strong></p><ul><li>removes the religious requirement on the monarch's spouse and the preference for men in the line of succession. It would have no effect on the religion of the monarch, who would still be required to be in communion with the Church of England. <br></li><li>repeals the Royal Marriages Act 1772, which places certain restrictions on members of the Royal Family marrying without consent of the monarch.</li></ul>
Progress through Parliament
- 1st reading Commons 21 Jan 2009
- 2nd reading Commons 27 Mar 2009
Source: the official bill page. Last updated 26 Oct 2009.