Mental Health (Discrimination) (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage Report

This briefing has been prepared for the Report Stage of the Mental Health (Discrimination) (No 2) Bill on 30 November 2012. The Bill is sponsored by Gavin Barwell MP, who was fourth in the 2012-13 ballot for Private Members’ Bills.

The Bill is intended to reduce the stigma and negative perceptions associated with mental illness. It would repeal legislative provisions that can prevent people with mental health conditions from serving as Members of Parliament, members of the devolved legislatures, jurors, or company directors. It is based on a Bill with the same title introduced by Lord Stevenson of Coddenham in the previous Session and has cross-party support. It is also supported by the mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, the Law Society, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The Bill passed Second Reading in the Commons on 14 September 2012 and was considered in Public Bill Committee in a single sitting on 31 October 2012. No amendments were tabled and the Bill passed Second Reading and Committee stages without a vote.