Merchant Shipping (Homosexual Conduct) Bill

This briefing has been prepared ahead of Report stage debate on the Merchant Shipping (Homosexual Conduct) Bill 2016-17, scheduled to occur on 24 February 2017.  The Bill is a Private Members’ Bill (Ballot Bill), sponsored by John Glen MP, with Government support. The Bill completed its Committee stage on 8 February 2017, having received its Second Reading on 20 January 2017.

The Bill would repeal aspects of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which suggest it would be lawful to dismiss a seafarer for a homosexual act.  That law is in fact of no effect, as such a dismissal would fall foul of equality legislation.  The Bill is therefore primarily of symbolic value.