Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Dubs (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 10 January 2011.

Equality: Act of Settlement

Question: My Lords, does the Minister agree that, as a country, we oppose discrimination on grounds of gender or religion? It is curious, to say the least, that we allow such discrimination to continue in the succession to the Throne. Does he also agree that, given that there is a bar on Roman Catholics, it is odd that there is no bar against Jews, Muslims, Hindus or even atheists? Does he further agree that the matter is of some urgency? If His Royal Highness Prince William and his bride have children, it would be invidious to change the arrangements then. The time to do it is surely now.

Answer: My Lords, I might agree with many of the propositions that the noble Lord has put forward, but as the previous Administration recognised, we are dealing with Acts of Parliament that govern not only us but a number of countries where the Queen is Head of State. For that reason, we have been proceeding with extreme caution.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 723 c1169-70
Session: 2010-12
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Related items: Commonwealth Countries: Accession to the Throne
Monday, 24 January 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Catholicism Women Equality Monarchy Succession
Legislation: Act of Settlement 1700
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk