Upskirting law moves a stop closer

Government action to make ‘upskirting’ a specific criminal offence remains firmly on track after it passed its latest hurdle in the Commons.

Following further debates in Parliament today (5 September) the ‘Upskirting’ (Voyeurism) Bill will now enter the House of Lords for final debates before it is expected to be placed onto the statute books as a new law.

Earlier this year, Ministers acted decisively by introducing this Bill, bringing forward a new law to protect women, and make perpetrators of this highly intrusive practice face up to two years in prison.

Colloquially known as ‘upskirting’ – this act involves offenders taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks.

Justice Minister Lucy Frazer said:

“I am pleased that members across this House supported the Government to help make "upskirting" a criminal offence.

"This is a hideous practise, which is why we have acted to make sure offenders are properly punished.

“I look forward to working with my parliamentary colleagues through the remaining stages of this Bill to make sure this offence becomes law."