The purpose of the Act was to exempt the selection of candidates in parliamentary elections from the provisions in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 that outlaw sexual discrimination.

The purpose of the Act allow political parties to select candidates based on gender to increase the representation of women in British politics.

A statutory order to extend the deadline may be made if a draft has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.

On 6 March 2008, Minister for Women Harriet Harman announced that the exemption would be extended until 2030 under the Equality Act 2010.

[2][3] The Labour Party has used the law to operate all-women shortlists, which were previously illegal under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.