Liberty - Protecting civil liberties, promoting human rights

Current bills

House of Commons debating chamber, Parliament UK 2010
Where proposals in a Bill have implications for human rights and civil liberties we use lobbying, campaigning and media coverage to persuade MPs and Peers to vote for alternative measures. In this section you can see which stage each Bill is at, read our briefings and find out how you can help us influence a key vote.

  • The Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Bill proposes to replace existing orders (such as ASBOs) with a new  generation of injunctions which are easier to obtain, harder to comply with and have harsher penalties. The Bill would also introduce unfair double punishment for the vulnerable, as social tenants and their families will face mandatory eviction for breaching a term of an injunction. Other measures in the Bill include some restrictions on Schedule 7 stop and search powers which, while welcome, unfortunately come nowhere near addressing the dangerous breadth and intrusiveness of these powers. The Bill also weakens key safeguards in our already heavily-criticised extradition system by removing the automatic right of appeal against extradition orders.

  • The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill proposes to legalise same-sex marriage, including in places of worship where a faith group has determined that it wishes to conduct same-sex marital ceremonies. Liberty welcomes this Bill as a historic step in the right direction for marriage equality. We are supportive of provisions in the Bill which will give those religious denominations which support equal marriage the opportunity to marry gay couples in accordance with their religious beliefs and traditions. While no faith group should be forced to marry a same-sex couple, those that wish to do so should not be prevented.