Overview

This bill makes temporary provisions to allow women bishops to fill vacancies in the House of Lords. It ensures that, for a ten-year period, when a vacancy arises among the Lords Spiritual, it will be filled by a woman bishop if one is eligible, unless the vacancy is in one of the most senior bishoprics.

Description

The Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill aims to address the historical lack of women among the Lords Spiritual (bishops in the House of Lords). The bill operates as follows:

• Eligibility: The bill only applies to vacancies occurring within ten years of its enactment.
• Filling Vacancies: If a vacancy arises and at least one eligible woman bishop exists, the vacancy will be filled by a woman. If multiple eligible women bishops exist, the one whose election was confirmed first will fill the vacancy.
• Exceptions: The bill does not apply to vacancies in the Archbishoprics of Canterbury and York, or the bishoprics of London, Durham, and Winchester.
• "Eligible bishop" Definition: An "eligible bishop" is defined as a bishop of a diocese in England who is not already a Lord Spiritual.
• Commencement: The bill comes into force after the next general election.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The costs associated with the bill are likely to be minimal and related to the administrative processes of appointing bishops to the House of Lords.

Groups Affected

• Women Bishops: The bill directly affects women bishops in England, giving them the opportunity to serve in the House of Lords.
• House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords will change, increasing the representation of women bishops.
• Church of England: The bill reflects a change in the Church of England’s practices and policies regarding the role of women.

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