Overview

This bill aims to remove discrimination based on gender and religion in the rules governing royal succession and marriages in the UK. It updates outdated laws that previously barred Catholics from the throne and prioritized male heirs.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

• Succession to the Crown: It removes gender discrimination in the line of succession, meaning the eldest child, regardless of gender, will inherit the throne. This is subject to the Act of Settlement 1700.
• Roman Catholic Consorts: It removes restrictions preventing a Catholic from marrying into the royal family. This involves amending the Bill of Rights 1688 and the Acts of Union with Scotland (1706) and England (1707) and the Act of Settlement 1700 to eliminate clauses barring Catholics from marrying into the royal family.
• Royal Marriages: The Royal Marriages Act 1772 is repealed, removing restrictions on royal marriages.
• Commencement: The act comes into force on a date set by the Secretary of State, after consultation with Commonwealth governments. It doesn't affect succession before this date, but will impact the order of succession after the death of the current monarch.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is minimal. The main cost would be associated with the legal and administrative processes required to amend existing legislation and update related documentation.

Groups Affected

• Royal Family: The bill directly affects the rules of succession and marriage within the royal family.
• Catholics: The bill removes discriminatory restrictions against Catholics marrying into the royal family.
• Women: The bill ensures equal inheritance rights for female members of the royal family.
• Commonwealth Countries: The Commonwealth countries will be consulted on the provisions of this Act before it is brought into force.

Powered by nyModel