Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to bring forward the necessary statutory instruments to bring section (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 of the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 into force.
Answered by Jess Phillips
The Government is committed to halving levels of violence against women and girls in a decade. An important part of this ambition is tackling public sexual harassment which often leaves people, disproportionately women, feeling unsafe. The Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Act 2023 will make this type of harassment a specific offence and could see perpetrators face a custodial sentence of up to 2 years.
As with any new criminal justice legislation, an implementation period is necessary to ensure all processes, systems and guidance are updated - including drawing up the statutory guidance. We will ensure the legislation comes into force as quickly as reasonably possible. We will confirm next steps on implementation of the Act at the earliest opportunity.
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