Members debate Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill

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.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main topics of the bill and drew attention to concerns or specific areas where they think amendments (changes) may be needed.

Members speaking

Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour), Leader of the House of Lords, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.

Contributing members included:

• Baroness Brinton (Liberal Democrats), vice-president of the Bible Society
• Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Conservative), former Minister of State in the Cabinet Office
• Bishop of Derby, first female bishop of the Church of England
• Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour), lecturer in history and politics, Ebbw College of Further Education.

Catch up

• Watch the Parliament TV recording.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, is scheduled for Wednesday 16 October.

Image: Roger Harris