Politicians in France are considering outlawing wolf whistling in public, as part of anti-sexual harassment measures that would also stop men following women in public and repeatedly asking for their phone number.
A group of five MPs are working on the legislation, which was set up by Marlène Schiappa, Secretary of State in charge of Equality between Women and Men, to reduce abusive behaviour encountered by women on the country's streets, the reports.
The parliamentary group is working on providing a legal definition of street harassment and the penalties offenders should face under the laws.
"The idea is to characterise street harassment so that the police can impose fines on men who follow women on the streets, intimidate them and harass them in public space," Ms Schiappa told local media.
"It is a cultural struggle to bring down the tacit consensus of acceptance of violence."
Ms Schiappa said consensual flirting between men and women would not be outlawed, saying: "Talking to someone and asking for [a number] will not be considered harassment". But she added that "[women's] bodies are not public goods".
She gave an example of the type of behaviour that would be banned under the legislation: “You are a woman in an underground train. I am a man. I follow you. You get off the train. I get off. You get on another train. I get on too. I ask you for your telephone number. I ask again. I ask a third time. You feel oppressed. That is street harassment.”
Some lawyers have argued the offence will be difficult to prove legally, while others believe the proposals go too far.
