Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Bill 2013-14


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. make provision about the inclusion at local authority meetings of observances that are, and about powers of local authorities in relation to events that to any extent are, religious or related to a religious or philosophical belief.

Private Members' Bill (Ballot Bill)

What is this Bill?

The Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Bill was a Ballot Bill tabled by Matthew Offord.

Is this Bill currently before Parliament?

No. This Bill is not under active consideration by Parliament, as it was introduced during the previous 2013-14 Session.

Whose idea is this Bill?

As a Private Members' Bill, this Bill represents the individual initiative of an MP (Matthew Offord), not the Government.

What type of Bill is this?

20 Ballot Bills places are awarded by lottery to backbench MP's at the start of each Session. These Bills receive precedence for debate in the Commons and a handful will succeed in becoming enacted into law.

The higher chance of success means MPs who win a ballot slot are frequently lobbied by groups wishing to have legislation tabled on their behalf, but the choice of bill ultimately remains with the MP.

So is this going to become a law?

No. This Bill did not complete it's passage before the Session completed and is no longer before Parliament. However, it may have been re-introduced under a similar name in a subsequent Session.

How can I find out exactly what this Bill does?

The most straightforward information is contained in the initial Explanatory Notes for the Bill.

Would you like to know more?

See these Glossary articles for more information: Ballot Bill, Private Members Bill, Process of a Bill

Official Bill Page Initial Explanatory Notes All Bill Debates

Next Event: There is no future stage currently scheduled for this bill

Last Event: Wednesday 19th June 2013 - 1st reading: House of Commons

Bill Progession through Parliament

Commons - 20%

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