A Government TD is demanding a new law to ban catcalling and harassment of women in public places.
Erin McGreehan is to lobby the Justice Minister Jim O’ Callaghan on the matter and has widespread support on the issue within the Fianna Fail parliamentary party.
The Louth mother wants to end the sinister menace of women being subjected to sexual innuendo as they walk down the street.
Many TDs believe these types of incidents are on the increase and they want to outlaw catcalling of women forever.
Deputy McGreehan said she is pushing for the new law following a pilot project by the Surrey Police in Britain who sent out female officers in running gear, supported by uniformed colleagues waiting nearby.
Officers then swooped on offenders if the woman was subjected to sexually suggestive comments and gave them a verbal ticking off. The cops said they wanted to educate people about their behavior.
The initiative followed a survey by Surrey County Council outside London which found that 94%of female residents had experienced some type of harassment while out in public and half hadn’t bothered to report it.
Deputy McGreehan said: “I hope the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan will consider legislation to tackle the problem.
“We are a long time talking about this and we are a long time saying this is wrong and we shouldn’t be doing it.
“I believe we now need action. Yes I’m in Government and the Government hasn’t done it so far – but it doesn’t mean I can’t push for it. I’ve asked for this before and you know, hopefully Jim O’ Callaghan will give us an open ear on this.”
Catcalling is a form of street harassment where someone, usually a man, makes unsolicited and often sexually suggestive or derogatory comments, whistles or gestures towards a person, again usually a woman, in a public place.
It is widely regarded as a form of harassment and unwanted sexual attention. Research has shown it causes psychological distress to the victim and makes them feel unsafe.
The proposed catcalling law in Britain carries a maximum two years jail sentence. It has not been enforced yet because of a delay in parliament but this is expected to be sorted soon.
