Wolf-whistling and cat-calling could become illegal in France

Wolf-whistling and other forms of public harassment against women could become a criminal offence in France under government plans to prohibit the country’s macho culture. The new laws would also stop men from following women in the street and repeatedly asking for their numbers, according to reports from The Times.

The under-secretary for gender equality Marlène Schiappa is working with a party of four other MPs to draw up legislation that will make public harassment and intimidation illegal. The politicians will also decide what penalties offenders should face.

‘The idea is to characterise street harassment so that the police can impose fines on men who follow women on the streets, intimidate them and harass them in public space,’ Schiappa told local newspapers.

‘It is a cultural struggle to bring down the tacit consensus of acceptance of violence.’ The clampdown comes after the publications of surveys showing that practically all French women have been harassed on public transport, in the street or elsewhere at some time.

President Macron had previously pledged to end the problem during his election campaign this year. Schiappa – who came into prominence with her blog for working mothers – has previously fought for men who harass women in public to be handed fines.

‘Twenty euros (R320)* would be a bit humiliating, €5,000 (R80 000)* would be more of a deterrent,’ the 34-year-old politician told The Guardian earlier this year. She stated that consensual flirting between men and women would obviously not become illegal, adding: ‘Talking to someone and asking for [a number] will not be considered harassment.’

*Currency was rounded up and correct at the time of publishing.

From: Good Housekeeping UK

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