It sounds, though, as if this stranger approached politely and respectfully and didn’t press the issue when you indicated lack of interest. A man who did the sa

It sounds, though, as if this stranger approached politely and respectfully and didn’t press the issue when you indicated lack of interest. A man who did the same would probably not be harassing. This law is clearly not targeting any potential romantic interaction between strangers on the street. “You’re attractive” can be harassment in a workplace setting (where power dynamics and standards of professionalism are different) without being harassment in a different setting. This law is targeting catcalling and men who will follow a woman down the street. These behaviors are power plays and are intimidating in a way that a polite and respectful approach is not. You may never have been the target of such behaviors, but if she travels frequently on foot, your wife almost certainly has been, and can likely tell you just how awful it is to be the target of them - ranging from disempowering to mortifying to terrifying.