Now, Whistling on the streets may land you in jail

Tightening the noose around the misogyny, Britain’s court has passed an order in which wolf-whistling, cat-calling and insulting someone based on their age or gender would be regarded as a hate crime. Judging a year-long review designed to make the law “fit for 21st century”, according to governing Scottish National Party ministers.

Currently, only offences based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity are currently considered hate crimes in the country.

Welcoming the move, the women organisation says “looking forward to engaging with the review because misogyny is not currently covered by existing hate crime and incitement to hatred legislation.”

But there has been some concern among some opposition politicians that the proposed new legislation could be over-zealous.

Douglas Ross, a spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “We are happy to be part of this review and will look closely at the recommendations which are made. However, it’s extremely important that a balance is struck between hate-filled and prejudiced language and behaviour, and offences the public generally regard as altogether less serious.”

The review follows similar decisions in England, where some police forces have already begun treating wolf-whistling as a hate crime. Last year, Nottinghamshire police expanded its categories of hate crime to include misogynistic incidents, characterised as behaviour targeted towards a victim simply because they are female.