Wolf-whistlers to face financial penalty in wake of proposed bill

In the wake of legislation proposed by Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa, individuals in France, who are caught wolf-whistling at women in public, will be subject to a fine.

The bill was put forward as part of a proposal focussing on street harassment and sexual violence, and seeks to eventually make the former a criminal offence.

Commenting on the move, Marlene highlights women's vulnerability and their lack of protection in the eyes of the law.

"It's completely necessary because at the moment street harassment is not defined in the law, "she told French radio RTL. "At the moment, one can’t file a lawsuit for street harassment."

When pressed as to what constitutes harassment, the 34-year-old minister replied: "We know very well at what point we start feeling intimidated, unsafe or harassed in the street."

"When someone breaks into your vital space, talks to you within 10 or 20 centimeters of your face, follows you for three, four, five or six streets, or ask for your telephone number about 17 times."

As it stands, Marlene believes the fine should be low enough to ensure the perpetrator is in a position to pay it immediately when apprehended by police.

According to reports, the law will be voted on in 2018 following a cross-party discussion group of five MPs.