nzherald.co.nz France adopts new sexual harassment law 8:54 AM Wednesday Aug 1, 2012
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10823745 President Francois Hollande's government promised the new legislation would be in place quickly. Photo / AP The French parliament unanimously adopted new legislation today, making sexual harassment a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in jail to replace a law that was deemed too vague.
The new law, which also provides for a fine of up to 45,000 euros, was rushed through both houses of parliament to appease public anger as the repeal of the original legislation in May saw all suits going through the courts being dropped.
"Victims can once again seek justice and will be better armed since the (terms) of the crime is better defined and covers a wider spectrum and the penalties are more proportionate to the seriousness of the offence," said Justice Minister Christine Taubira.
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RT.comWatch those dirty looks! France toughens sexual harassment lawsPublished: 01 August, 2012, 14:49
http://www.rt.com/news/sexual-harassment-law-france-561/Lascivious language and wandering eyes could get you up to three years in jail in France, according to a new sexual harassment bill. The legislation has been praised by feminist groups as a milestone for women's rights.
The bill redefines older legislation pertaining to sexual harassment, which described offenses as "obtaining favors of a sexual nature." The legislation had previously come under fire for being too vague and not offering enough protection to women.
The new law passed by the French Parliament on Tuesday has a far broader definition, defining harassment as "imposing on someone, in a repeated way, words or actions that have a sexual connotation and either affecting the person's dignity because of their degrading or humiliating nature or putting him or her in an intimidating, hostile or offensive situation."
The law extends to the workplace and includes provisions for punishment for harassment of transsexuals.
