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Topics: News
Emma Guinness
A new law is being introduced in a bid to stop sexual harassment taking place on UK streets.
The new bill, which is being supported by the government, will make public sexual harassment a criminal offence.
This means that if a person gets sexually harassed on the street, the perpetrator could face up to two years behind bars.
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However, it is worth noting that this legislation is aimed at serious offences like obscene sexual comments and driving slowly next to someone - as opposed to wolf-whistling or other similar misdemeanours.
While public sexual harassment is illegal, this new bill from by ex-Cabinet Minister Greg Clark will make it a specific offence for the first time.
The law will be a welcome move for many following the notorious killing of Sarah Everard, who was taken from the street, in 2020.
While attempts had previously been made to introduce this legislation, they were reportedly blocked by Boris Johnson's government.
Nimco Ali, an independent advisor to the Home Office, said there was 'pushback', despite the majority of respondents describing the issue as a 'widespread problem' in a survey.
The Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: "Every woman should feel safe to walk our streets without fear of harassment or violence. And that is why we are supporting this bill to introduce a specific offence on public sexual harassment."
British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle added: "No woman should be subjected to harassment or intimidation as they travel and we will always welcome any extra help in bringing more offenders to justice.
"We have always taken reports of sexual harassment extremely seriously, however, I hope the proposed legislation will reinforce our clear message to perpetrators that it simply won't be tolerated.
"We know that all forms of sexual harassment are under-reported to police and I hope this increased awareness will encourage more victims to come forward and tell us about what’s happened to them."
Downing Street, meanwhile, said that introducing legislation in this area is a 'priority'.
The PM's deputy spokesman said: "You've heard the PM speak on a number of occasions on the importance of tackling this issue and making sure the streets are safe and that we do everything we can to tackle violence and harassment against women and girls which is why we are supporting this bill."
The Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper added: "Labour has consistently pushed the Government to introduce this new offence to protect women and girls, so we welcome the announcement today.
"Any action to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls is welcome, but the Government must now go further and faster."