PARIS, OCT 17: Men who whistle and harass women on the streets in France will be fined on the spot, said the French Women’s Minister, Marlene Schiappa.
Schiappa, 34, said that law is necessary to address sexist men’s behavior especially in public, reported the International News Agency, AFP.
“It’s completely necessary because at the moment street harassment is not subjected to legal action,” she said to RTL radio regarding the proposal which will be voted for next year.
Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault case, on many actresses rekindled debate in France over sexual harassment and predators.
Asked about the difficulty to draw a line between harassment and flirtation, Schiappa replied: “ We know when we start to feel afraid, unsafe or disturbed on the streets.”
She cited examples such as when a man invades a woman’s personal space – ‘by talking to you 10, 20 centimetres from your face’ – or follows a woman for several blocks or ‘asks for your number 17 times.’
A special taskforce comprising of five members of parliament has been asked to work with police and magistrates to come up with a definition of harassment.
“The level of the fine is still in discussions,” Schiappa said, adding that neighbourhood police would act on complaints brought to their attention by women.
Women harassers will be fined on the spot
