KINGLASSIE MSP Jenny Gilruth, has welcomed news that the Scottish Government is to consult on whether to create a new hate crime of misogyny.

Announced at the SNP’s conference in Glasgow by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf MSP, the issue will be raised as part of a consultation on hate crime later this year.

Following a review of hate crime legislation by Lord Bracadale, the forthcoming consultation will focus on updating and consolidating Scotland's hate crime laws and will include consideration as to what measures may be needed to better tackle gender-based violence, including misogyny.

Commenting, Jenny Gilruth, MSP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, said: "The Scottish Government is working hard to tackle gender-based prejudice and misogyny in Scotland.

"Through education, legislation and enforcement we can begin to eradicate violence against women and girls while challenging unacceptable attitudes and harmful behaviour in Scotland.

“I believe that targeting misogynistic behaviour as a specific offence could be an effective step in addressing this form of behaviour and the wider damage it does. I look forward to the consultation’s launch in November.”

Heather Williams, Interim-Manager at Fife Women’s Aid has also welcomed the announcement.

Ms Williams said: “Fife Women’s Aid welcomes the Scottish Government's commitment to reviewing the law to help tackle the harassment experienced by women and girls across Scotland on a daily basis.

“This harassment of women and girls which happens simply because we are female takes place in our schools, workplaces, streets and homes and this is unacceptable.

"While providing protection through new legislation is welcome, just as importantly we need men who believe this is unacceptable to stand up against it, it’s not enough to say I don’t do it, it’s only some men.”