We changed the law together

Great news! Today the Mental Health (Discrimination) Act passed, scrapping unfair legislation preventing people with mental health problems being Company Directors, sitting on a jury or being MPs.

With our supporters' help we've changed the law and sent a really clear message that discriminating against people on the grounds of mental illness is completely unacceptable!

Over 1,000 Rethink Mental Illness supporters wrote to their MPs to raise awareness and make sure that this Bill made it through Parliament.

I really want to thank all of you who took part because we couldn't have done it without you. We have made history together.

Rethink Mental Illness has supported this Bill from the very beginning. It sailed through the Houses of Parliament and received unanimous support from the Government, MPs and Lords. It is highly unusual for any law or policy to have backing across political parties.

The Bill is part of a momentum that's building in Parliament. It comes after a groundbreaking debate last year, when for the first time ever four MPs spoke out about their own experiences of mental health problems. All of this indicates a shift in Parliament's thinking and a reinvigorated commitment to fighting the prejudice faced by people affected by mental illness.

This is a monumental time for everyone dedicated to tackling stigma and discrimination. But changing the law is just one step. We have a long way to go to getting rid of other forms of inequality and we need your help.

If you haven't already, please join us. Find out more - get our email

Thanks!

Lizzie, Public Affairs Officer

PS If you would like more information on what we at Rethink Mental Illness do,read this page all about us. For more about what the Act does, read the (now out of date!) Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill briefing (290 kb) .