Image Via
The beauty of the world we live in is that progress is continually being made in efforts for equality. Whether you be man, woman, or any other identity, wearing a skirt or dress is becoming universal. However, within society, it is perceived as more acceptable for a woman to wear such garments. This makes them, mainly, the sole victims of upskirting.
This campaign for upskirting to become a criminal offence was started by Gina Martin, 26. Herself a victim of someone taking a photo under her skirt without her consent, this is very important to her.
The campaign was backed by the Ministry of Justice, who decided to make upskirting a part of the Voyeurism Offences Bill. This would officially make it a crime. It would lead to people who take photos of peoples’ private parts under a skirt to be prosecuted. Nevertheless, the bill has been blocked by Christopher Chope.
It makes no sense for a man to oppose a bill about upskirting
This backbench MP was able to oppose the bill. His excuse? Possibly that the “bill needed more scrutiny”. Furthermore, as taking photos of someone in public is not illegal, we won’t be surprised if he leans on that in his defence. Honestly, we have no idea why this one man thinks he has the right to oppose hundreds, thousands of women who are victims of people invading their privacy in such a heinous way.
Alternatively, if it were more socially acceptable for men to wear skirts and they were sexually harassed this would have had a different outcome. Women are people too. It is about time that we are heard. Also, this bill is not mutually exclusive to women, so if a man did get upskirted, he could also legally seek compensation.
Do you want to make a political difference? Follow this 5-Step Guide From Trill!
