Statement of Service
Call for end to mental health discrimination in parliament
Mark Harper MP, Shadow Minister for Disabled People, has tabled an amendment to the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill with the aim of removing the provisions in existing legislation which mean that an MP automatically loses his or her seat if detained under the Mental Health Act.
Harper argues that the exclusion for MPs adds to the negative stigma attached to mental health issues in the workplace.
The Conservatives previously tabled the same amendment to the Equality Bill currently going through Parliament but the amendment was ruled out of the scope of the Bill.
Under Section 141 of the Mental Health Act 1983, an MP automatically loses his/her seat in Parliament if detained under the Act for a period of six months or more. There are no provisions to remove MPs suffering from physical illnesses which stop them from carrying out their duties and responsibilities for the same length of time.
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Related Links
Workplace Law
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November 9, 2009
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