Overview

This bill seeks to remove outdated legal provisions from the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act that allowed for the dismissal of merchant navy crew members based on their homosexual conduct. The bill aims to modernize the 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 permitted the dismissal of crew members from merchant ships on grounds of homosexual conduct. The bill ensures that such discriminatory practices are no longer legally permissible. The Act will come into force immediately upon passage. Its repeal provisions apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending, as it primarily involves removing discriminatory clauses from existing legislation, not introducing new financial obligations.

Groups Affected

This legislation primarily affects:

• LGBTQ+ seafarers in the merchant navy: The bill removes discriminatory grounds for dismissal, promoting equality and protection from unfair treatment.
• Merchant shipping employers: Employers will no longer be able to legally dismiss employees based on their sexual orientation.
• Maritime unions and employee advocacy groups: The bill supports their efforts to promote fair employment practices within the merchant navy.

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