Struggle between Religious Exemptions and Aid in Dying: A Harmful Tension
The House of Lords, a chamber of the UK parliament, has been a stage for centuries of religious influence and tradition. However, recent debates have arisen over the role of the Bishops' Bench, a group of 26 Anglican bishops who hold seats in the Lords.
Despite the growing calls for change, the current legislation does not offer assisted dying for those suffering from incurable motor neurone diseases. This has led to a contentious discussion about the Bishops' role in shaping the UK's legal framework on this matter.
The Bishops' Bench constitutes only 3% of the Lords' membership, which totals 800. The Anglican bishops have a compulsory retirement age of 70, and many are appointed as life peers after retirement. Interestingly, the number of parliamentarians advocating for the removal of the Bishops' Bench has grown significantly.
The Bishops' Bench has been a part of the Lords for approximately a thousand years, with its origins dating back to King Henry VIII's break with the Roman Catholic Church. Prior to this, Catholic clerics were the majority in the House of Lords until the 16th century. After the break, 26 Anglican bishops replaced the abbots in the House of Lords.
The Church of England acknowledges that the current version of the Bishops' Bench is unsustainable. In an effort to maintain its presence, the strategy of the Church is to concede some of the 26 seats to other denominations and faiths. This move could potentially broaden the representation within the Lords, addressing concerns about religious privilege being an obstacle to progressive and popular social change.
Recent events in other countries have added fuel to the debate. Portugal, a Catholic country, voted for assisted dying legislation in May after overriding the president's veto. Similarly, legislation for assisted dying has been passed in the Isle of Man. These developments have sparked discussions about the UK's stance on the issue.
The latest attempt to introduce assisted dying legislation in the UK parliament is not guaranteed success, despite being conservative in nature. The legislation includes tight residency conditions to prevent 'death tourism'. However, the debate continues, with both supporters and opponents presenting compelling arguments.
In the midst of these discussions, it is worth noting that other religious leaders, such as former heads of Protestant denominations or a Chief Rabbi, are often appointed as peers. This suggests a broader representation of religious views in the Lords, beyond the Anglican bishops.
In 2018, provisions were temporarily put in place to increase the proportion of female bishops on the Bishops' Bench. This move was met with mixed reactions, but it does indicate a willingness to adapt and evolve the Bishops' Bench to better reflect modern society.
The future of the Bishops' Bench in the House of Lords remains uncertain. As the debate continues, it is clear that the role of religious leaders in government and the balance between tradition and progress are key issues at the heart of the discussion.
