PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
SECTIONS 2 AND 3 ACT OF SETTLEMENT 1701 (19 May 2002)

That this House condemns the religious discrimination that exists against Roman Catholics in sections 2 and 3 of the Act of Settlement 1701 by excluding Roman Catholics from the line of Succession to the Throne and also any member of the Royal Family who marries a Roman Catholic; recognises that sections 2 and 3 of the Act of Settlement 1701 are in violation of article 9.2 (freedom of religion of belief) of the European Convention on Human Rights; notes the comments by the Prime Minister that the anti-Catholic aspects of the Act of Settlement 1701 are plainly discriminatory and welcomes his commitment to address this issue during this Parliament; recognises that such a move during the year of the Queen's Golden Jubilee would indicate recognition of the United Kingdom's acceptance and tolerance of a multifaith, multicultural society; notes the broad support to amend sections 2 and 3 of the Act of Settlement 1701; further congratulates the Scottish Parliament for passing a motion condemning the existence of section 2 and 3 of the Act of Settlement 1701; and urges the Government to amend the Act of Settlement 1701 to remove its discriminatory nature.

Sponsored by:
Mr Kevin McNamara (Labour)