[Moved to DR at 10/01 meeting.]

Proposed resolution (04/01):

1. Add the following as paragraph 6 of 9.2.4 [dcl.typedef]:

   If a typedef TD names a type "reference to cv1 S," an attempt to create the type "reference to cv2 TD" creates the type "reference to cv12" S," where cv12 is the union of the cv-qualifiers cv1 and cv2. Redundant qualifiers are ignored. [Example:

       int i;
       typedef int& RI;
       RI& r = i;          // r has the type int&
       const RI& r = i;    // r has the type const int&
   

   —end example]

2. Add the following as paragraph 4 of 13.4.2 [temp.arg.type]:

   If a template-argument for a template-parameter T names a type "reference to cv1 S," an attempt to create the type "reference to cv2 T" creates the type "reference to cv12 S," where cv12 is the union of the cv-qualifiers cv1 and cv2. Redundant cv-qualifiers are ignored. [Example:

       template <class T> class X {
           f(const T&);
           /* ... */
       };
       X<int&> x;    // X<int&>::f has the parameter type const int&
   

   —end example]

3. In 13.10.3 [temp.deduct] bullet 2.3 sub-bullet 5, remove the indicated text:

   Attempting to create a reference to a reference type or a reference to void.

(See also paper J16/00-0022 = WG21 N1245.)

The main defect is in the library, where the binder template can easily lead to reference-to-reference situations.