The House of Keys has voted to remove the Lord Bishop’s voting rights in Tynwald, rejecting a final attempt to delay the decision.
A motion to adjourn the bill “sine die,” effectively killing it, was defeated 13-11.
Following that, members voted 18-6 to accept an amendment from the Legislative Council, which will see the Bishop’s vote removed either five years after the bill’s passage or at the end of the current Bishop’s tenure.
Proponents of adjournment argued the significant constitutional change required greater public mandate by making it an election electon.
However, this was defeated, as was a further amendment by Chris Thomas that called on Tynwald to be required to approve the change.
Despite taking a big step towards removing the Bishop’s vote from Tynwald, they also voted on an early amendment from Mr Thomas to support the retention of the island’s diocese.
Lawrie Hooper’s private members bill will now progress to the next stage, which will see it signed by Tynwald members before seeking Royal Assent.