To make provision for the circumstances in which the sexual history of a victim of rape or attempted rape may be introduced at a trial; to prohibit in certain circumstances the disclosure by the police of a victim’s identity to an alleged perpetrator of a serious sexual crime; to extend the range of serious offences which may be referred to the Court of Appeal on the grounds of undue leniency of the sentence; to amend the requirements for ground rules hearings; to make provision for the issuing in certain circumstances of guidance on safeguarding to schools; to make provision for training about serious sexual offences; to place a duty on the Secretary of State to provide guidelines for the courts in dealing with cases of serious sexual offences; to require the Secretary of State to report annually on the operation of the Act; and for connected purposes.
The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill would change how rape and other serious sexual offences are dealt with in court. It sets rules on admitting a victim’s sexual history, prevents police from sharing a victim’s identity with suspects in certain crimes, expands which offences can be appealed for leniency, and requires safeguarding guidance to schools, training on serious sexual offences, and annual government reporting.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move on to committee stage, then report and third readings.
Generated 21 February 2026
This Bill was expected to have its second reading debate on Friday 12 May 2017.
However, as a General Election has now been called and Parliament will be dissolved from 3 May 2017, the Bill falls and no further action will be taken.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
