Petition · past parliament
Reform section 127, Communications Act & Section 1, Malicious Communications Act
Closed
39 signatures
What the petition asks
Signatories of this petition ask the Government to remove any reference of the following from section 127, Communications Act & Section 1, Malicious Communications Act
“Grossly offensive” , “Indecent”, “obscene” , “Causing annoyance”, “inconvenience”, and “needless anxiety”.
“Grossly offensive” , “Indecent”, “obscene” , “Causing annoyance”, “inconvenience”, and “needless anxiety”.
A number of cases have made it to the national press of people being arrested for “Grossly offensive” jokes and comments on twitter and FB. Section 127 and Section 1 both have wording that is extremely vague and ambiguous. Both acts can be read here:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/21/section/127
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/27/section/1
Free expression is the corner stone of a free democracy. Reform these laws to remove ambiguity and respect that vital human right.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/21/section/127
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/27/section/1
Free expression is the corner stone of a free democracy. Reform these laws to remove ambiguity and respect that vital human right.
Timeline
| 8 Jun 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 8 Dec 2016 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
39
Status
Closed
Opened
8 Jun 2016
Closed
8 Dec 2016
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.