British government ready to alter legislation barring Catholics from throne?

March 27, 2009

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced plans to amend the Act of Settlement, which bars Catholics or the spouses of Catholics from the throne. But it is not clear that the amended legislation would allow Catholics in the line of succession. Brown-- who said that he is consulting with other Commonwealth nations about the issue-- remarked: "What we must do is protect the position of the monarchy and the position of the Queen as head of the established church, the Church of England." A BBC commentary argued that the Act of Settlement must be changed to eliminate discrimination against women, but discrimination against Catholics might remain. The BBC analysis asked:

Would Britain be prepared to accept a King whose Queen Consort owed at least part of her allegiance to the Pope, and who might consequently insist that their children were brought up as Roman Catholics?

 

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Further information:

• Brown moves to change discriminatory Act of Settlement (The Universe
• Why the monarchy discriminates (BBC)