Legislators in the House of Lords, Britain's unelected upper chamber, said there was no "groundswell of support" for change.

Lord Alfred Dubs put forward plans to overturn the system by which a monarch's eldest son succeeds to the throne, even if he has an older sister.

"The monarchy should reflect the values of our society. It cannot do that if succession is based on discrimination against women," he said.

"The queen has demonstrated throughout her reign that women can do the job as well as, and probably better than, men."

Succession is determined by laws written in the 17th and 18th centuries, and any change would require the drafting of new legislation by the British government.

The lord chancellor, Lord Charles Falconer of Thoroton, who is head of the judiciary, said: "It is not right to have gender discrimination, including in the choice of the succession, but there is no groundswell for change.

"A change would require complex constitutional legislation and consultation with members of the Commonwealth. We have no plans to embark on such a course."

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 21, 2006
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