#2026/344The Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 (Commencement) Regulations 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This statutory instrument formally brings the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 into force on 1 April 2026. It is made under section 4(3) of the 2023 Act by the Secretary of State. The regulations consist of only two substantive articles: citation/interpretation and the commencement date. They activate the main prohibitions and offences related to unwanted, sex-based verbal or physical conduct in public places that is intended to cause alarm, distress or humiliation. From 1 April 2026, such behaviour in streets, parks, transport and other public spaces will be a criminal offence in England and Wales.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- The Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 comes into full force on 1 April 2026
- Creates a new criminal offence for unwanted sex-based conduct in public places intended to cause alarm, distress or humiliation
- Applies to streets, parks, public transport and other public spaces across England and Wales
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Cease all unwanted sex-based verbal conduct in public places intended to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation from 1 April 2026
Cease all unwanted sex-based physical conduct in public places intended to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation from 1 April 2026
Apply criminal offence provisions for sex-based harassment in public to conduct occurring in streets, parks, public transport and other designated public spaces from 1 April 2026