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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Remove all Bishops from the House of Lords

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Remove all 26 Church of England bishops appointed to the House of Lords by the UK Parliament and end the automatic right for bishops to be appointed seats.

The UK is a Christian minority country; for the first time, the census in England and Wales reflects this - there is no reasonable justification in a fair democracy for bishops to vote on laws in the House of Lords.

This is an undemocratic and unusual practice. The only country other than the UK to appoint clerics to its legislature is Iran.

Public institutions should be inclusive and representative of the UK's diverse society, without giving special privileges to members of one faith.

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  • Related activity

    Bishops in the House of Lords debated by MPs

    MPs held a debate on bishops in the House of Lords on Thursday 6 July in Westminster Hall. The debate was led by Tommy Sheppard MP.

    What is a Westminster Hall debate?

    Westminster Hall is the second chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local and national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Westminster Hall debates are general debates that do not end in a vote.

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    This petition will stay open until 5 June 2023.