Overview

This bill temporarily allows women bishops to fill vacancies in the House of Lords. It ensures that if a vacancy arises in the next 10 years, and there are eligible women bishops, a woman will be appointed to fill the role, unless specific exceptions apply.

Description

The Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill makes temporary changes to how vacancies among the Lords Spiritual (bishops in the House of Lords) are filled. Specifically:

• Time Limit: The bill only applies to vacancies occurring within 10 years of its enactment.
• Eligibility: Only vacancies where the person who would normally fill the role is a man, and at least one eligible woman bishop exists, are affected.
• Selection Process: If only one eligible woman bishop exists, she will fill the vacancy. If multiple eligible women bishops exist, the one whose election as a diocesan bishop was confirmed first will be appointed.
• Exceptions: The bill does not apply to vacancies arising from the avoidance of the Sees of Canterbury, York, London, Durham or Winchester (senior most bishops).
• "Eligible bishop" definition: This term refers to a bishop of a diocese in England who hasn't already been appointed to the House of Lords.
• Commencement: The bill comes into force after the next general election.
• Extent: The bill applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant impact on government spending, as it primarily concerns the appointment process within the House of Lords and doesn't involve substantial financial changes.

Groups Affected

• Women Bishops: This bill directly impacts eligible women bishops, providing them with the opportunity to be appointed to the House of Lords.
• The House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords will be affected, potentially leading to greater gender diversity among the Lords Spiritual.
• The Church of England: The bill reflects a significant step towards greater gender equality within the Church of England's representation in Parliament.

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