The Liberal Democrats have criticised the Government for rejecting a law that would make misogyny a hate crime.
Today, Conservative MPs voted against the law, which had been passed by the House of Lords last month. The vote comes days after a man pleaded guilty to the murder of Sabina Nessa and just days before the anniversary of the murder of Sarah Everard.
Cross-party peers had added a clause to the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to make crimes motivated by hatred of women aggravated offences, so they are treated as seriously as crimes motivated by racial or religious hatred. Liberal Democrat MPs voted to keep the amendment, which now returns to the House of Lords.
Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Justice and Women & Equalities, said: “Violence by men against women and girls is far too prevalent in our society. Too many women feel unsafe walking down their own streets.
“By voting against making misogyny a hate crime, the Conservatives are turning a blind eye to the hatred that fuels violence against women.
“We must make clear in law that these toxic attitudes are unacceptable in our society, to help stamp out the abuse women face.
“No woman should be the victim of these awful crimes. And no girl should grow up in fear of them either.”
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani, who has been working with Wera Hobhouse on the Liberal Democrats proposals to make misogyny a hate crime, added: “It was almost inevitable that this law would be stripped out of the bill once Boris Johnson had declared that he was against it.
“It is vital that men stand up to oppose misogyny, but it is clear that he will refuse to do that. While he does so, women in this country will be more at risk of violence, domestic abuse, and harassment. Men should be at the forefront of this change, not refusing it.”