Overview

This bill amends the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to create new offences related to voyeurism. It criminalizes the act of operating or recording images under another person's clothing without their consent, targeting the genitals or buttocks, even if covered by underwear, if done for sexual gratification or to humiliate, alarm, or distress the victim.

Description

The Voyeurism (Offences) (No. 2) Bill introduces two new offenses under section 67A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003:

• Operating equipment under clothing: This criminalizes operating equipment (e.g., a camera) under someone's clothing to observe their genitals or buttocks (even if covered) without their consent, if done for sexual gratification or to cause distress. It also includes enabling equipment activation by another person without their knowledge.
• Recording images under clothing: This criminalizes recording images under someone's clothing of their genitals or buttocks (even if covered) without consent, if intended for viewing for sexual gratification or causing distress.

The bill also modifies existing legislation. It increases the maximum sentence for these offences, depending on the method of conviction (summary or indictment). It also specifies that these new offences fall under the notification requirements for sex offenders, particularly those involving children. The bill applies to England and Wales only and will come into force two months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The primary cost will likely be associated with the increased workload for law enforcement and the justice system in investigating and prosecuting these new offenses. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Potential victims of voyeurism: The bill offers greater protection against non-consensual recording and observation.
• Perpetrators of voyeurism: The bill creates new criminal offenses that will impact those who engage in such acts.
• Law enforcement agencies: Increased workload in investigating and prosecuting these new offenses.
• The judiciary: Increased caseload related to prosecutions.

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