Local Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has called for catcalling to be made illegal.
Catcalling is a form of street harassment where someone (usually in public spaces) makes unwanted comments, whistles, shouts, or gestures, often of a sexual nature typically towards another person who is typically a woman.
McGreehan, who herself believes the name “catcalling” is offensive in itself, says we must now tackle the crux of the issue, and legislate accordingly to deal with it.
“The word “catcalling” itself is offensive to me as a woman. It makes us sound like animals and objectifies us. Young girls and women shouldn’t be shouted at in public spaces; it is totally unacceptable.
She added, “The reality of this is that it is a form of public harassment, women deserve to feel safe and dignified in everyday spaces. As a woman myself, I feel the same as all other women and girls. Whether it’s what I wear when I exercise, or changing my routes for my walks or runs, all of these thoughts cross my mind.
McGreehan has spoken to women and especially young girls in her own constituency who have experienced catcalling, and says the consequences to women is far greater than people think.
“I have engaged on this matter with women and young people. If they are out for a walk, a run, a jog, and see a group of lads in a car or at the other side of the street they will avoid it at all costs,” she said. “A lot of things cross young girls’ minds when setting out on these everyday activities. They change what they wear, where they exercise, and worry about how they look. This shouldn’t be the normal thought process for a young women or girl who simply wants to exercise or walk around her own community.
McGreehan hailed the pilot campaign called ‘Jog On’ in the UK by Surrey Police, who sent female members of the force out dressed as joggers to try and catch catcallers. Astonishingly, in just four week it has led to 18 arrests for offences such as harassment, theft, and sexual harassment.
This comes off the back of MPs in the UK passing a Sexual Harassment in Public Spaces Act in 2023, which does make catcalling illegal, but it is yet to be enforced. McGreehan has called for something similar to be put in place here.
“I met with a girl online who pushed really hard for this Bill in the UK. I learned a lot from her. The UK is not the only country to legislate against this. Our EU partners such as France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain and The Netherlands have taken action on catcalling. Each country has their own way of legislating it through fines on the spot, arrests or community service,” she said.
Deputy McGreehan concluded by stating she will continue to push for legislation on this very important issue facing women and young girls, adding that they should feel safe within their communities to do everyday things without fear.
“I will work alongside my party colleague and Minister for Justice on this critical issue. This issue is a power play to insert dominance and be demeaning to girls. This is unacceptable and not normal.
“Over the next few weeks and months, I intend to take appropriate steps in conjunction with the Minister to enable us to get closer to a safer, more inclusive society for women and young girls,” she concluded.
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS