UK to conduct review on tackling ‘extremist ideologies’, including misogyny
Al JazeeraAug 26
UK Considering Treating Misogyny as Extremism
Above: Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is seen during a walk through Lewisham town centre, as part of a visit to discuss neighbourhood policing and meet with policing teams on July 08, 2024 in London, England. Image copyright: Pool/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a review of the country's counter-extremism strategy, to ascertain how to best tackle forms of hateful activity including Islamism, far-right extremism, and extreme misogyny.
The Home Secretary has stated the review will "map and monitor extremist trends" and discern how to direct people away from them. It will also identify and fill the "gaps" in existing policy to crack down on people "pushing harmful and hateful beliefs and violence."
The Spin
Left narrative
Misogyny and gender-based violence are among the most reliable indicators of terrorism and conflict. No wonder violence against women — a manifestation of a broader systemic problem — has become a national security threat in the UK. By identifying and tackling extreme misogyny in the same way as Islamist and far-right extremism, rampant crime against women on the streets and a massive surge in the radicalization of youngsters online can finally be curbed.
Right narrative
What constitutes misogyny to one is not necessarily the same to another, which is why treating misogyny as extremism could criminalize free speech, worsen community tensions, and expose officials to legal challenges. Moreover, violence against women and girls is already a crime. If the government were taking the matter seriously, instead of implementing new policies, it would actually be enforcing existing laws more effectively.