Overview

This bill seeks to remove outdated legal provisions that allow for the dismissal of crew members from merchant ships based on their homosexual conduct. The bill aims to modernize maritime law and ensure equal treatment for all seafarers regardless of sexual orientation.

Description

The Merchant Shipping (Homosexual Conduct) Bill repeals sections 146(4) and 147(3) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. These sections currently permit the dismissal of merchant navy crew members on the grounds of homosexual conduct. The bill effectively removes this discriminatory clause, ensuring that sexual orientation is no longer a legitimate reason for dismissal from merchant ships. The Act will come into force on the day it is passed and applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending, as it involves the repeal of existing legislation rather than the introduction of new programs or initiatives.

Groups Affected

This bill primarily affects:

• LGBTQ+ seafarers: The bill will protect LGBTQ+ individuals working in the merchant navy from discrimination based on their sexual orientation.
• Merchant navy employers: Employers will no longer be able to legally dismiss crew members based on their homosexual conduct.
• Trade unions representing seafarers: The bill supports their efforts to promote fair and inclusive working conditions in the merchant navy.

Powered by nyModel