MP demands change to sexist law on royal succession

3.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 25th Apr 2008

The sexist law on royal succession soon looks set to be confined to the dustbin of history, following a recent discrimination referral to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) by local MP Lynne Featherstone.

The Hornsey and Wood Green MP wrote to Trevor Phillips, chair of the EHRC, after Lady Louise was pushed back from eight to ninth in line to the throne, following the birth of her baby brother in December last year. The response, acknowledging the practice as discriminatory, earlier this week triggered the Solicitor General to propose that abolition of the practice be included in the Single Equality Act, which will pass through the Commons later this year.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

"The Government seems to have finally realised the importance of equality at all levels of society.

"We can't have a law that is meant to fight discrimination and injustice, but allows a blatantly sexist law on royal succession to continue.

"This is the perfect time to change the law when there is no one who will be personally affected. It shouldn't create a hue and cry.

"Let's confine this outdated message that men are better than women to the dustbin of history."

Notes:

Lady Louise Windsor, born 8th November 2003, is the eldest daughter of Prince Edwards, earl of Wessex and Sophie, countess of Wessex. Her brother, Lord James Severn, was born on the 17th December 2007.