Upskirting appals MP

By Callan Date
A LOCAL MP has spoken about her disgust for upskirting and the need to introduce tougher laws against those found guilty of the crime.
Judith Graley told State Parliament last week that the move to outlaw upskirting – the practice of taking photos up the skirts of unconsenting women – was desperately needed.
She was speaking during debate on a bill that creates three new offences covering upskirting.
The Narre Warren South MP said reports of this type of behaviour occurring at this year’s Australian Open Tennis Championships were disturbing.
“That was a revolting description of some quite deviant behaviour,” Ms Graley said.
Ms Graley also took a swipe at sections of the advertising industry.
“I am constantly affronted personally, not only as a woman but as the mother of daughters, a representative of many women in the community and having a history of working with women in all areas, to see the constant putting down of women, and indeed men, in many advertisements on television,” she said.
Under the new law perpetrators of upskirting can now be charged with three new offences with a maximum penalty of two years’ jail.
“They (judges) will have sufficient punishments available to them to not only punish people but also deter people from making enormous efforts to exploit women,” she said.
Ms Graley said the new laws will strengthen existing laws that already prohibit stalking, indecent behaviour; and if a minor is involved, producing child pornography.
“These laws are a big step to further protecting women against sexual exploitation and perversion,” she said.