Campaigning For Change: Up-Skirting
Gina Martin is successfully leading a campaign to make ‘up-skirting’, the act of taking a photo up a somebody’s skirt without their permission, illegal.
Following a personal experience of up-skirting at a festival, she approached police and found that due to loopholes in the law there was little action she could take against the perpetrators. According to the Metro; “previously, people who took upskirt photos could be prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act – but only if they photos actually contained genitalia”.
This shocking revaluation encouraged Gina to start a campaign to ensure that victims of this crime would not face the same experience as her, and would see perpetrators punished accordingly.
Her journey started with a petition, but quickly lead to a large social media campaign and Members of Parliament getting involved!
Held a very successful drop in session tonight with @Wera_Hobhouse, @RossThomson_MP and @RichardBurgon to discuss our bill to make upskirting a sexual offence. Outstanding support from all parties for my campaign and a clear understanding that this bill is the right thing to do! pic.twitter.com/YcNxVokzOC
— Gina Martin (@beaniegigi) June 13, 2018
The MPs who backed Gina’s campaign have been able to introduce a Bill which is currently making its way through the House of Commons (you can track its progress here), and will soon become an Act of Parliament.
This is an amazing achievement, and an example of how campaigning to enact change in the law can have a huge impact on the lives of people across the UK. It just proves that just one person can use the political system to really make a difference. Congrats Gina!
Ministers have agreed to formally support a bill by @Wera_Hobhouse. #StopSkirtingTheIssue pic.twitter.com/OY9lXxv30l
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) June 15, 2018
Are you inspired by Gina’s story? Read more about Alternative Political Engagement!
