Conservative MP blocks bill banning upskirting

christopher-chope Sir Christopher Chope, 71, is a veteran politician who was knighted this year

A bill banning upskirting, the surreptitous practise of taking unauthorised photographs under a woman's skirt, was blocked by a Conservative MP in the House of Commons.

Sir Christopher Chope, 71, a veteran politician who was knighted this year, blocked the bill proposed by opposition Liberal Democrat parliamentarian Wera Hobhouse.

The Voyeurism (Offences) Bill had received wide support in the house. The bill would have made it illegal for offenders to take a picture under someon'e clothing without their consent. Offenders would be punishable by up to two years in prison.

Other MPs in the house cried "shame!" when Chope called out his objection. Chope did not explain his reasoning publicly.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said she was disappointed a lawmaker from her Conservative party had blocked the bill.

Commenting on Twitter, May said: “Upskirting is an invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed.

“I am disappointed the Bill didn’t make progress in the Commons today, and I want to see these measures pass through Parliament - with government support - soon.”

Dawn Butler, the main opposition Labour party spokeswoman for women and equalities, said: “What possible reason could there be to block a law that supports women and girls?”

Conservative lawmaker Nick Boles tweeted: “In every party, there are one or two MPs whose knuckles drag along the ground. Today, unfortunately, a sensible reform to protect women was blocked by one of ours.”

Chope, meanwhile, is well known for consistently voting against legislation for human rights, equal pay and same-sex marriage. He also voted to abolish the national minimum wage in 2009. He believes that burkhas should be banned in public places.

In 2013, Chope referred to some staff members in the House of Commons as "servants". He faced wide criticism but refused to correct himself despite objection from his fellow MPs.

He was also known for wanting to reintroduce death penalty and conscription in the country.  

(With inputs from Reuters)