Government Contemplates Including ‘Extreme Misogyny’ in Definition of Terrorism
Under the crackdown, school teachers will be required to refer students suspected of ‘extreme misogyny’ to the government’s counter-terror programme.
Home Office Minister Jess Phillips stated that misogyny will be treated as “any other extreme ideology,” with the government aiming to address those promoting harmful beliefs.
As the secretary of state for safeguarding and violence against women, Phillips emphasized the importance of confronting the increasing threat of online hatred towards women and ensuring that the line between free speech and extremist ideologies is properly defined.
Phillip’s statements followed Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s directive to review Britain’s counter-extremism strategy to combat the radicalization of young men online.
The review will focus on extremist ideologies, including hatred towards women, and recommend strategies to address the threats posed by far-right and Islamist beliefs.
Under the proposed plans, the police will intensively pursue offenders who endanger women, utilizing data analysis and tactics similar to counter-terrorism measures to remove serious repeat offenders from the streets and enhance women’s safety.