...but it’s a compliment!
BUILDING site workers have vowed to carry on wolf-whistling – despite police warning it could become a hate crime.
They claim they are just trying to compliment pretty women they spot passing in the street.
And they insist that wolf-whistling does not do any harm.
Campaigners say “catcalling” should be classed as abusive behaviour – like an unwanted physical approach or sending unsolicited texts.
And police have warned men they could be hauled into courts and charged if the object of their attention reports them to police.
But hunks working on building sites hit back yesterday.
They dismissed the warnings and threats of arrest and pledged to continue wolf-whistling women because “it isn’t meant to hurt anyone”.
Builder Liam Mulvany, 38, insisted: “It’s a compliment.
“There is a line though. I think if she is with her boyfriend or partner you show respect or you’re looking for a slap.”
Construction pal Jack Gill, 31, who works on a site near Tower Hill, London, added: “If it’s done in jest then it’s OK and won’t offend.
Acid
“I just don’t know how they can call it a hate crime and class it almost as bad as throwing acid around!”
The new rules, which are being considered by several police forces, would mean wolf-whistling was classed the same as a race and religious attack – or abusing somebody for their sexual orientation.
Workman Lee Thompson, 34, a London-based builder, insisted they were not alike and called for calm.
He added: “It doesn’t make sense. How can it be a hate crime? It’s complimentary. I can see how some women might find it offensive but not all of them will. Some like it.”
A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “Police forces in England and Wales annually monitor five strands of hate crime.
“Police chiefs will be presented with a paper that asks them to consider the case for monitoring gender-based hate crime the same way.”
Ann Widdecombe insisted wolfwhistling was complimentary while in the Celebrity Big Brother house. VIEWS: Top to bottom, Liam, Jack and Lee