13/12/2012

Succession To The Crown Bill Published

A new law has been published which will end discrimination against women in line for the British throne.

Previously, male heirs were given precedence over women in line to the throne, regardless of age.

The Succession to the Crown Bill could affect the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as now their first-born will be in line for the throne, whether they are a boy or a girl.

On 4 December, consent was given by all 15 Commonwealth realms to press ahead with the legislation.

The Commons has yet to vote the new law in. Amendments to the Bill of Rights and Coronation Oath Act of 1688, the 1701 Act of Settlement and the 1707 Act of Union between Scotland and England, will have to be implemented before it can be passed.

The bill will also see an end to the ban on anyone in the line of succession marrying a Roman Catholic.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the legislation "will bring to an end centuries of discrimination against women".

He added: "I'm delighted that all of the Queen's realms have agreed to this historic piece of legislation, that will enact in law what we agreed back in 2011 - that if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a baby girl, she can one day be our Queen even if she has younger brothers.

"We're pressing ahead with this as quickly as we can - it's clearly something the entire country can get behind towards the close of this momentous Jubilee year."

(IT)

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