Westminster Hall

Salisbury MP Robert Key said plans to remove some powers from female bishops in the Church of England would be illegal under sex discrimination laws, in a debate on 11 November 2009.

The Church of England's ruling General Synod voted in 2008 to clear the way for women to be consecrated as bishops, and draft legislation is currently under review.

Mr Key said a measure that would prevent female bishops from performing certain pastoral duties was discriminatory, and questioned how MPs should vote should such legislation come to Parliament for approval.

Equalities Minister Michael Foster said: "Whatever proposals are brought forward for consideration by Parliament would need to be compliant with the law as it stands at the time.

"I recognise the very difficult position faced by the Church of England," he added.