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Royal Marriages and Succession to the Crown (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill

Private Members' Bill (Ballot Bill)

Originated in the House of Commons, Session 2008-09

Last updated: 26 October 2009 at 15:51

See full passage

Long title

A Bill to make provision to remove discrimination in respect of Royal marriages and succession to the Crown.

Summary

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.

Key areas

  • 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.
  • repeals the Royal Marriages Act 1772, which places certain restrictions on members of the Royal Family marrying without consent of the monarch.

Sponsor

Dr Evan Harris
Liberal Democrat
Oxford West and Abingdon

Current version of the Bill

Bill passage

Bill started in the House of Commons
1st reading
Committee stage
Report stage
3rd reading
Bill in the House of Lords
1st reading
2nd reading
Committee stage
Report stage
3rd reading
Final stages
Consideration of amendments
Royal Assent
Key
Complete
In progress
Not applicable
Not yet reached