Bill Penalizing Catcalling and Public Harassment Passes in the Senate

The Senate passed on the third and final reading of a bill that aims to penalize catcalling and other forms of public harassment, also called the “Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act of 2017.”

Senate Bill No. 1326, also known as the “Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act of 2017,” seeks to penalize catcalling, leering, groping, wolf-whistling, cursing, persistent requests for name and contact details, and use of words that tend to ridicule actual or perceived sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, and identity in public spaces.

A fine of at least P1,000 and detention for up to six months will be given to the violators.

Fighting misogyny and sexism in the Philippines

The passage of the bill was lauded by Senator Pia Hontiveros, principal author of the and head of the Senate Committee on Women, saying that it serves as a “major push back” against the “growing culture of misogyny and sexism in the country.”

“At a time when sexism and misogyny seem to be the new normal, this is an important victory for all women and LGBT persons. With this measure, we will reclaim the streets from sexual harassers and make them safe for all,” said Hontiveros.

via CNN Philippines