private members’ Bill

   A form of public Bill introduced into Parliament by backbench Members of Parliament, usually as a result of winning a high position in the annual ballot of members but occasionally via the Ten Minute Rule. Such Bills pass through the same stages as a government Bill. Many fail, often for lack of parliamentary time or because of governmental opposition, although a few have been high profile and made it on to the statute book. Notable examples are the controversial socio-moral issues of the 1960s that changed the laws on abortion, capital punishment, divorce and homosexuality, although more usually successful legislation tends to be that which is less contentious and therefore arouses less opposition, such as the measures concerning ragwort control and Dealing in Public Objects (Offences) passed in recent sessions. The introduction of such Bills can serve to draw attention to a particular issue and it may encourage ministers to devise their own alternative legislative proposals.