Claig, I think I've seen some complaints of that nature being taken to the European Court. Don't know what happened, if anything.
We are protected by a plethora of legislation about respect, in both personal and professional life. Treating a fellow human being with basic respect doesn't mean pretending you like them, admiring them or respecting their actions, etc. It simply means not harming them. "Do as you would be done by" pretty much covers it.
CBA to look up laws, but consider abuse based on religion or belief ("belief" would include committed feminism of any flavour ), libel and defamation, the Human Rights Act. "Persistent verbal abuse e.g. constant unreasonable criticism" is a possible offence that has been successfully prosecuted many times.
^You should be free from harm, and also from the threat of harm ? physical or psychological. This includes living in fear of strangers or neighbours. But, just as importantly, it includes living in fear of family members ... If you are under threat from someone, the government has a duty to protect you.
UK law includes a range of human rights to help keep you safe from harm.^
It is not OK to decide someone is excluded from the Act because you dislike them or something they did/said. It's common decency to treat others as you wish to be treated.
I would have thought this post unnecessary, especially as Mumsnet rules cover it. I've been doing other stuff while typing, so hopefully it's all been cleared up now :)