Lawmakers in east China's Zhejiang Province are deliberating a draft law
that defines sexual harassment and would allow victims to sue.
The bill would outlaw sexually suggestive language or pictures,
even if used in jest, in e-mails or cellphone text messages, and
inappropriate physical action towards women.
If passed, the proposal would allow victims to report cases to
their employers, departments, and public security bureaus, who are
obliged to take measures to prevent or stop such behavior. The
victims also have the right to sue the offenders.
Sexual harassment was written into the amendment of the national
law on the protection of women's rights in 2005. However, it failed
to provide a clear definition of sexual harassment, which made it
difficult to prove in court.
Shanghai enacted a law clearly defining sexual harassment late
last month. It says actual physical contact, verbal abuse, written
language, pictures, or electronically transmitted information could
be considered sexual harassment.
Similar statutes have been passed in Jiangxi, Shaanxi and Anhui
provinces and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, allowing victims to
complain or sue the offenders.
Defining sexual harassment at the local level was a welcome
attempt to supplement national law and helped enhance the effect of
laws and regulations, said Shen Guoming, a member of the Judicial
Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress.
(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2007)