Overview

This bill aims to modernize the rules of succession for hereditary titles in the UK, allowing women to inherit peerages and hereditary titles on an equal basis with men. It also grants courtesy titles ("The Honourable") to the husbands and civil partners of individuals holding certain titles.

Description

The Equality (Titles) Bill makes several key changes:

Succession of Hereditary Titles

Currently, only men can inherit most hereditary peerages and titles. This bill allows women to inherit, provided they are over 21, are the oldest surviving legitimate child of the incumbent, and the incumbent has petitioned the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor will review any objections raised before issuing a certificate confirming the succession. The process involves consultations with other children of the incumbent to ensure fairness.

Courtesy Titles

The bill extends the courtesy title "The Honourable" to the husbands and civil partners of peers, baronets, baronesses, knights, and dames. This ensures equal treatment for spouses regardless of gender or civil partnership status.

Other Provisions

The bill includes provisions for special remainders (allowing an incumbent to specify the succession to their eldest son), specifies that its application does not accelerate succession, and clarifies that its provisions apply separately to each hereditary peerage or title held by an incumbent. The Lord Chancellor's decision is considered final.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant impact on government spending. The administrative costs associated with processing petitions and resolving objections will be relatively small. No specific figures were provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Women: Will gain the right to inherit hereditary peerages and titles, significantly altering their potential for involvement in the House of Lords.
• Husbands and Civil Partners of Title Holders: Will be eligible for the courtesy title "The Honourable," regardless of the title holder's gender or the nature of their relationship.
• Incumbents of Hereditary Titles: Will be required to follow a new process for determining succession and may face objections from their children.
• Children of Incumbents: May object to a proposed female succession if they feel it is unfair or violates previous agreements. They also have the right to be consulted during the process.
• The Lord Chancellor: Will have a greater responsibility for overseeing the succession process and resolving disputes.

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