US libel reform bill one step closer to law

The US Senate has passed a libel bill protecting American writers from being sued in other jurisdictions. The bill aims to prevent US citizens from so-called 'libel tourism'.

The Speech Act (Securing the Protection of our Enduring and Established Constitutional Heritage Act) received a unanimous voice vote according to the Associated Press, placing it one step closer to becoming federal law.

The bill will protect the nation's publishers from foreign libel judgments that "undermine the United States' guarantee of free speech" laid out in the constitution.

The bill has now been sent to the House of Representatives for final action, before it can be sent to the President and signed into law.

Last week, British libel reform campaigners told Journalism.co.uk that the move by the US highlights the weaknesses in UK libel law.

Mike Harris, spokesman for the Libel Reform campaign, said a US law only confirms the campaign's argument that Britain appears "weak" in comparison.

"This just shows that the UK's reputation has been damaged by our restrictions on free speech and libel laws," he told Journalism.co.uk.

"We want the government here to stop all foreign claimants. This clearly indicates the way that UK libel law is damaging free expression and that the committee who considered this clearly had our government in mind when they made their recommendations."

Although a Private Member's bill by Lord Lester did not address the issue of libel tourism, Justice Minister Lord McNally said the government's own bill, which is set to be drafted by March 2011, will tackle the issue.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).