A new law to ban child-like sexual abuse dolls has moved to the committee stage in Parliament today, 4 September 2026. The Child-like Sexual Abuse Dolls (Offences) Private Members’ Bill will make it illegal to buy, sell, or own these items.
Anyone found with such a doll could face a prison sentence of up to five years. The government has stated its support for the bill, which aims to close a legislative loophole, as current laws do not provide a specific offence for owning or making these dolls.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Satvir Kaur, said the new law would enable authorities to seize the dolls and prosecute those involved in their trade. Police have reportedly encountered these items during investigations into child sexual abuse suspects and when monitoring registered sex offenders.
Organisations including the NSPCC, NAPAC, Barnardo’s, and CEASE have welcomed the bill's progress. Abigail Gill, Acting Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NSPCC, stated that the bill is an important step towards closing a dangerous gap in the law.