Overview

This bill aims to create a new criminal offence in England and Wales: intentionally causing harassment, alarm, or distress in public because of a person's sex. It amends existing legislation to include this new offence within relevant legal frameworks.

Description

The bill adds a new section (4B) to the Public Order Act 1986. This section criminalises acts that already constitute harassment under section 4A but specifies that the harassment must be *because* of the victim's sex (or perceived sex). It clarifies that this new offence doesn't exclude other motives, even if sexual gratification is involved. The penalties for this new offence include fines and/or imprisonment (up to two years). The bill also makes consequential amendments to the Football Spectators Act 1989, the Police Act 1997, and the Elections Act 2022 to incorporate the new offence into their respective legal frameworks. The bill applies only to England and Wales, and its commencement date will be set by the Secretary of State.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs will likely be associated with enforcing the new law, including police training and court proceedings. Precise figures are not yet available.

Groups Affected

This bill will primarily affect:

• Women and girls: This bill is intended to protect them from sex-based harassment in public spaces, offering increased legal recourse.
• Perpetrators of sex-based harassment: Individuals engaging in such acts will face criminal prosecution under the new law.
• Law enforcement: Police forces will need to enforce the new offence, requiring training and resources.
• The judiciary: Courts will handle cases related to this new offence.

Powered by nyModel