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Bill · started in the Commons

Rape (Defences) Bill

To prohibit the defence of sleepwalking in proceedings relating to the offence of rape; and for connected purposes

In progress Current stage: 2nd reading (Commons)

The story so farThe Rape (Defences) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 15 October 2008 by Harry Cohen (Labour). It is now at second reading in the House of Commons. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.

What the bill does

The Bill would amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 so that the defence of sleepwalking or non-insane automatism could not be used by defendants in rape cases.

Progress through Parliament

  1. 1st reading Commons 15 Oct 2008
  2. 2nd reading Commons Current

Source: the official bill page. Last updated 30 Oct 2008.