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A new law would punish men who display lecherous or aggressive behaviour in public including leering, repeatedly asking for a woman's phone number or speaking while too close to a woman's face.

The legislation is being piloted by 34-year-old women's minister Marlene Schiappa, who wants to tackle sexist male attitudes in public spaces.

It comes as the escalating scandal over Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual assaults on a string of actresses has rekindled a global debate on sexual harassment.

Ms Schiappa told RTL radio: “This action is completely necessary because at the moment street harassment is not defined in the law.”