The U.K. Police Force That Sees Misogyny as a ‘Hate Crime’

Article here. Excerpt:

'Last week’s news that Nottinghamshire Police in the UK now classifies misogyny as a hate crime was praised by feminist bloggers in the U.S., eager to move to the utopian county where relentless catcallers are thrown behind bars.

The Huffington Post and the Guardian both praised Notts Police.

“Literally why isn’t this a thing everywhere?” asked one writer at Self magazine, thrilled that any Nottinghamshire “asshole who whistles at you every morning needs to think twice before doling out another cat-call. That’s criminal now, sucker.”

Well, not necessarily.

In a statement announcing the initiative, a collaboration with the Nottingham Women’s Centre, the police department has broadened its definition of a ‘hate crime’ to include misogyny and harassment of women.

Obliquely worded, a misogyny hate crime is “simply any incident, which may or may not be deemed as a criminal offense, which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hatred,” the statement reads.
...
The emphasis here is mine, as Nottinghamshire’s police force is setting new precedents in law enforcement by prioritizing feelings over evidence when reporting a misogyny hate crime.'