MP calls for wolf-whistle to be made a ‘hate crime’
WOLF-whistling and cat-calling by men should be designated a hate crime, says an MP.
Melanie Onn claimed sexual behaviour and abusive language had become the “wallpaper of life” for girls in the UK.
She was speaking at a debate attended by other women MPs who spoke about unwanted sexual advances they had experienced.
Ms Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby, said: “Today’s society is awash with misogynistic acts such as groping, sexual comments, upskirting, revenge porn, sexual remarks, leering and stalking.
Abuse
“As the nature of harassment changes so must the laws which govern it. There are currently too many incidents not meeting the criteria for assault, discrimination or public order offences.”
She added at Westminster Hall in London yesterday that the topic had provoked “vile fury”, with some accusations that she was a man hater with no sense of humour.
The SNP’s Mhairi Black said she had also been the victim of online misogynistic abuse.
The Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP said: “I struggle to see any joke in being called a dyke... a slut, a whore, a scruffy bint.”
She warned that when abuse was unchallenged it “creates an environment that allows women to be abused”.
Women and equalities minister Victoria Atkins said two police areas were running pilot schemes to see if misogyny could be turned into a hate crime.
She said there was also a duty to “balance equalities” which meant misandry, or hatred of men, could also become a crime.