UK considers classifying misogyny as extremist violence, sparking free speech concerns.

The Home Office of the new UK government is reportedly considering treating certain forms of misogyny as a type of extremism.

"Yvette Cooper, British Home Secretary, stated in an interview with LBC that hateful incitement of all kinds damages the fabric of our communities and democracy. She added that action against extremism has been weakened in recent years, despite the need for it to be strengthened."

Cooper disclosed that she has initiated a "rapid analytical sprint on extremism" to "map and monitor extremist trends," with the aim of diverting at-risk individuals from extremist views and "identifying any gaps in existing policy."

The term "extremism" encompasses a wide range of beliefs, including Islamist and far-right ideologies, as well as an intense focus on violence and its causes.

In March 2020, the Home Office, under the previous Conservative administration, revised its definition of extremism to include actions that aim to "nullify or annihilate the basic rights and freedoms of others" or "undermine, subvert, or replace the U.K.'s parliamentary system and democratic rights."

The inclusion of misogyny in a review has sparked fears that the government may establish a framework to restrict free speech, as Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Jess Phillips has stated, "Wouldn't you use the same test you would with far-right extremism and Islamism?"

Phillips contended that while individuals are entitled to their opinions regarding women, it is no longer acceptable to disregard the escalating danger posed by online misogyny. The Guardian reported that Phillips emphasized the need to address this issue, rather than being concerned about maintaining a line, as we would with any other extremist ideology.

Peter Lloyd, the author of "Stand by Your Manhood," labeled the policy a "sexist move" and an "Orwellian attack on free speech," leaving Joanna Jarjue stunned during a debate on GB News. Lloyd argued that there were "other issues" that were more important, such as terrorism, and that "people like Andrew Tate" were not the priority.

Lloyd's comments "offended" Jarjue, who accused him of minimizing the issue and cited a figure of two million women victimized by men in the U.K. each year. She called the issue an "epidemic" that "snowballs into a bigger position where women are dying and being raped."

Jarjue emphasized that the targeting of women because of their gender and the belief that they are fair game or entitled to a woman's body is a specific issue that affects a particular group and gender.

The House of Lords debated in November 2021 whether to classify misogyny as a hate crime, with the British government focusing on responding to it for several years.

For years, the Lords have acknowledged the need for more robust action against misogyny, including a 2015 campaign by Citizens UK that advocated for sex and gender to be classified as protected characteristics for hate crimes.

Nottinghamshire Police were the first in England and Wales to classify misogyny as a hate crime, prompting other constabularies to follow suit.

Since its creation in 2014, the Home Office has changed the title of its junior ministerial role several times, but recently expanded the role to include specifically Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls following the Labour Party victory on July 4. MP Jess Phillips was appointed to the role just days later.

According to Glamour UK, Phillips stated that the recent weeks have been challenging for women and girls in the country due to the tragic stabbing of several young girls that resulted in the death of three at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport.

Phillips stated that the government recognizes the difficulties and grief currently experienced in the country and assures that they hear the people's concerns.

She emphasized the need to prevent rather than just clean up the violence against women and girls in our country.