Lords Spiritual Bill completes journey through Parliament
17 January 2025
The Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill had its third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, on Tuesday 22 October.
Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill it received Royal Assent on 16 January. The bill is now an Act of Parliament (law).
The Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill aims to increase the number of women bishops in the Lords by extending the period in which vacancies among the Lords Spiritual are to be filled by bishops who are women, until 2030.
Final checks
Third reading is the chance for members to ‘tidy up' a bill, making small changes to ensure it is effective.
No amendments (changes) were put forward ahead of third reading. Members discussed the progress of the bill at the conclusion of its stages through the House of Lords.
Catch up
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
Explore background information
Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
What's happened so far?
Committee stage
Committee stage, a chance to examine the bill in detail and make changes, took place on Wednesday 16 October.
As no amendments were proposed ahead of committee stage, the order of commitment was discharged and the bill proceeded directly to third reading.
Second reading
Second reading, a full debate on the key principles of the bill, took place on Tuesday 10 September.
Image: Roger Harris
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