Street harassment to be made a crime

[irc]

It looks to me that there is no new offence being created. But if someone breaks the law under the existing section 4A and did it because of the person's sex there is a potential higher penalty of 2 years imprisonment..


https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/64/secti...

So the question as to how it will be enforced is easy. Just as well or as badly as the existing Section 4A has been. Anyone harrassing a women in the street could have been charged under the existing law. If it wasn't happening then it's an enforcement problem, not a question of needing a new law.

Also, having to prove the sex of the victim was a factor is another hurdle to pass. Why does it matter? Anyone being illegally harassed deserves protection no matter the motive

Edited by irc on Saturday 25th March 15:46

Edited by irc on Saturday 25th March 15:55

[XCP]

Another can of worms about to be opened.

[snuffy]

So does that mean old biddies that zigzag along the pavement in front of you will now be arrested?

[Biggy Stardust]

Lord Marylebone said:

It clearly isn’t going to be used against a person who isn’t a creep, but is innocently walking too close to someone for a couple of hundred yards.

Look what was done with eg RIPA and tell me there isn't scope for abuse.