Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hate Crime: Misogyny

Wednesday 23 February 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government currently have no plans to make misogyny a hate crime.
  • Legal experts consulted by the government concluded that such legislation could do more harm than good in tackling violence against women and girls.
  • The Law Commission found that making misogyny a hate crime would be unhelpful and harmful.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from the need to address persistent violence against women and girls, where legal measures are sought to combat misogyny.

Question

What plans she has with the Home Secretary to bring forward legislative proposals to make misogyny a hate crime. The Government's response includes supporting the Path Community app and launching StreetSafe, which places responsibility on women for their own safety instead of addressing the root causes of violence against them.

Answer from Rachel Maclean

The Government currently have no plans to make misogyny a hate crime. Legal experts consulted by the government concluded that such legislation could do more harm than good in tackling violence against women and girls, as it would be unhelpful and harmful according to the Law Commission.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to legislative proposals for making misogyny a hate crime

How: Referenced Legal Experts' Opinion, Reiterated Lack Of Government Plans

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Women & Equalities
Context

The question builds on the previous discussion about making misogyny a hate crime, addressing the prevalence of sexual harassment among young people and the potential benefits of legislation.

Question

More than 80% of 18 to 24-year-olds have experienced sexual harassment in public places. If the Government were to legislate on misogyny as a hate crime, it would empower the police to act and send a message that such behaviour is unacceptable. Does she agree?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

I do not agree with the hon. Member's assertion. The Law Commission concluded that making misogyny a hate crime would be unhelpful and harmful to tackling violence against women and girls, contrary to what she suggested.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledge benefits of legislating against misogynistic hate crimes

How: Referred To Law Commission'S Opinion

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Women & Equalities
Context

The question continues the discussion on persistent violence against women, urging the government to address the root causes of misogyny and sexual violence.

Question

Persistent violence against women is not adequately addressed by government measures such as the Path Community app and StreetSafe, which shift responsibility onto victims. A study found a correlation between misogynistic views among university male students and a proclivity for sexual violence against women. The Government's response of “There's an app for that” sends a problematic message. What does it say to urge the Home Office to make misogyny a hate crime?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

I refer to my previous remarks.

Not addressed: Work with the Home Office to legislate on making misogyny a hate crime

How: Repeated Her Earlier Comments Without Addressing New Points

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email