sex discrimintion act 1975

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how long does it take an act like the Sex Discrimination Act to be passed from when it was first put foreward as a potential law

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Ages....

it depends. There are channels to speed up the process depending on the importance. For example the recent terrorism laws were pushed through (with permission from the queen i believe). But enerally it can take between 2 and 5 years.

Before a new Bill becomes law, it passes through Parliament, examined, debated and amended, before finally being adopted. This long process of discussion offers opportunities to change the wording of the proposed law.

The detailed content of Government Bills is prepared by civil servants and parliamentary draughtsmen. They publish the draft Bill, but must get agreement inside Whitehall. Once Government Ministers have approved the draft Bill, it is usually introduced into the House of Commons, although some Bills start in the House of Lords.

The First Reading in the House of Commons is a formality to tell MPs a new Bill is on its way. They authorise the draft Bill to be printed and a date is set for the Second Reading.

The Second Reading provides an opportunity for a general discussion of the Bill, establishing 'markers' for future amendments. They discuss the interest groups the Bill will affect.

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If the Bill passes its Second Reading, it goes into Committee. Standing Committees consider the Bill line by line in the light of debates held at the Second Reading and other information presented to them. By this time it is normally accepted that the Bill will become law, and the Opposition concentrates on negotiating changes to individual points. When the Committee has finished making changes, the Bill passes back to the whole House to "report" any changes.

The Report Stage provides another opportunity for amendments to be discussed. finally, the Bill is subject to a Third Reading - a tidying up stage - before it passes to the House of Lords.

In the Lords, the Bill passes through the same process. Instead of a Standing Committee, the Lords employ a Committee of the Whole House to scrutinise the Bill line by line. Amendments can be introduced and 'second thoughts' discussed before the motion 'that the Bill now do pass' is voted on. This gives the Opposition a final chance to call for changes and slow the adoption of the law.

Amendments proposed by the Lords are considered in the Commons and are either accepted or rejected. The Commons have authority in cases of dispute between the two Houses, and the Lords will withdraw their objections if they meet with strong opposition. The Bill then receives Royal Assent, and the new Bill - now an Act of Parliament - is law.