Voyeurism (Offences) Bill

A Bill to make certain acts of voyeurism an offence.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Wera HobhouseLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

20 July 2018

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would make certain acts of voyeurism illegal by creating specific offences. It aims to protect people’s privacy by criminalising behaviours where someone secretly observes others without consent. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons and was introduced by Wera Hobhouse.

Key Points

Creates criminal offences for certain voyeuristic acts.
Intended to protect privacy and prevent intrusion into private spaces.
Recognises the role of technology in facilitating voyeurism.
Originating in the Commons; sponsored by Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat); first reading in 2018.
Currently at the second reading in the Commons; further stages will follow if the bill progresses.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. The first reading occurred in March 2018; no further stages have been completed yet.

Who is affected?

People who could be victims of voyeurism (privacy invasion).Members of the public who value privacy.Owners or managers of spaces where privacy is expected (private venues, facilities).Police, prosecutors, and the courts responsible for enforcing the offences.

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

6 Mar 2018

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Voyeurism (Offences)

1 Jan 1970

This Private Members Bill was superseded by the government's Voyeurism (Offences) Act which passed into law on 12 February 2019.

Documents (1)

Bill 174 2017-19 (as introduced)

BillCommons

6 Mar 2018

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.