A British parliamentarian proposed a competition at 18:00 for men after a London woman was killed while walking home at night – in a case that shook the country and sparked an intense debate about women’s safety.
Baroness Jenny Jones, a member of the Green Party of the House of Lords, made the extreme suggestion on Wednesday during a debate on the domestic abuse bill.
“In the week that Sarah Everard was abducted and we assume she was killed because remains were found in a forest in Kent, I would argue that at the next opportunity for any appropriate bill, I could actually introduce a amendment to create a heel of men on the street after 6 pm, which I believe would make women much safer and discrimination of all kinds would be diminished, ”Jones said, according to Independent.
But Jones was quickly forced to explain that her proposal was not “a very serious suggestion” and not party policy, after a flood of criticism from voters and parliamentary colleagues.
“OMG, the world is going crazy. The Greens are thinking of a men’s dominance after 6pm – I’ve heard it all now “, Conservative leader Susan Hall posted on Twitter Thursday.
In an interview with Sky News on Friday, Jones clarified that he makes a point about blaming the victims that women often face.
“I was just trying to point out that when the victim blames the police for asking women to stay home, we don’t react. We just think it’s normal, “he said.
“In fact, no one is furious when, for example, the police suggest that women stay at home. But when I suggest it, men are in their arms. ”
Everard, 33, disappeared on his way home from a friend’s house in Clapham, south London, last week.
On Tuesday, London police officer Wayne Couzens – whose duties include protecting the royal family – was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, suspected murder and indecent exposure in connection with the case.
A day later, the human remains believed to belong to Everard were discovered in a wooded area near Ashford, Kent.
The death of the innocent woman sparked an outburst of anger over violence against women in Britain.
Meanwhile, Jones said he welcomed control over her “proposal” and hoped it would lead to a meaningful discussion about gender roles and public safety.
“Since my comments about a coverage time for men to keep women safe, I have had a flood of misogynistic emails and tweets. Which proves rather my point of view with the issue related to men “, the legislator posted on Twitter Thursday.