Rape promotion law change call

Politicians promoting rape or violence should be given a lifetime ban, according to a new petition.

Prime Minister Theresa May has been urged to change the law to stamp out the abuse of women in politics.

MPs including Labour’s Jess Phillips, Conservative Nicky Morgan and the Greens’ deputy leader Amelia Womack have all signed up.

A letter, drafted by The Fawcett Society and published by HuffPost UK, is also signed by feminist campaigners including Caroline Criado-Perez.

Sam Smethers, Fawcett Society chief executive, said: “By permitting candidates who behave in this way we are giving them a platform to encourage and mobilise others.

“Women, black and ethnic minority people, those from certain religious groups or those who are LGBT are all more likely to be targeted with abuse. We cannot allow this to be the norm.

“There is currently nothing to stop someone who promotes rape or violence standing to be an MP, MEP, local councillor or a police and crime commissioner.”

The law does not currently disqualify candidates with a track record of issuing threats.

But campaigners, including 90,000 who have signed an online petition, are demanding tougher sanctions for those who intimidate women in public life.

The Fawcett Society wants a new offence of intimidation of election candidates to be extended, with a statutory code of conduct for candidates and “tough penalties” which they all sign up to.

PA. Jess Phillips has signed up to the petition.