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Dr Evan Harris (Lib Dem, Oxford West and Abingdon) introduced a Bill which would remove the restrictions on a member of the royal family marrying a catholic and would also remove the current discrimination against women.
Harris stressed that his Bill had "no implications for the future of the royal family as our monarchy" and in fact supported the monarchy as an institution adding that "it is just obvious that that is unacceptable".
Andrew Mackinlay (Lab,
He concluded that the Bill should pass but "remain in hibernation until there is simultaneous and comparable legislation and agreement is made with the other legislatures where the Queen is head of state".
Edward Leigh (Con, Gainsborough) raised the absurdity of a Bill of Rights "making a similar provision against Jewish or Muslim people".
He supported the Bill and asked "does anybody seriously think that the 15 members of the Commonwealth that have the Queen as their head of state would object for a minute to the proposed changes?"
Stephen Pound (Lab, Ealing, North) highlighted the possibility that there was a "visceral fear" of catholicism still present in the
Henry Bellingham (Con, North-West Norfolk) questioned the monarch's support for the Bill.
He argued that "if we are serious about looking after those overseas territories and cherishing the role that they play, we should certainly consult them properly and with due consideration".
Justice minister, Jack Straw, conceded the chances of the government producing its own proposals before the next General Election - expected in May 2010 - were "very limited".
Straw said: "I don't want to bring forward a precise timescale this afternoon - least of all one that for other reasons might not be met. But this is an issue we are going to pursue, including with Commonwealth governments," Straw told the Commons.
Asked if it was likely to be resolved before the next general election, he added: "I think the chances are very limited. I never say never. But there's a lot to do."
House of Commons
First reading: January 21 2009 [HC Bill 29]
Second reading:
- 1st day: March 27 2009
- 2nd day: October 16 2009
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