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Proceeding contribution from Jack Straw (Labour) in the House of Commons on Friday, 27 March 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Royal Marriages and Succession to the Crown (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill.


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

I shall certainly ensure that soundings are taken of Commonwealth Heads of Government and talk to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister about the outcome of today's debate, which has been very interesting and informative, not least to me. I genuinely mean that. Normally when one spends five hours in this Chamber, one learns something—in fact, I have never spent five minutes in this Chamber without learning something—and I have done so today. However, let me say this to the hon. Gentleman. Almost every Commonwealth country, and certainly the older ones—two being Canada and Australia, which are parts of the realm—have faced precisely the same tensions between people of the Anglican faith or the Protestant faiths and people of the Catholic faith. Famously, in Australia, where the establishment of the country was Anglican, there were huge tensions with those of Irish heritage. In Canada, the tension continues between those of British heritage and those of French heritage, and there is the potential for conflict— The debate stood adjourned (Standing Order No. 11(2)). Ordered, That the debate be resumed on Friday 16 October.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
490 c629 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Commonwealth Church of England Catholicism Church and state Women Equality Discrimination Marriage Monarchy Religion Succession Religious freedom Royal family
Legislation
Royal Marriages and Succession to the Crown (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk