Taiwan’s legislature passes a set of amendments to gender equality laws, adding harsher sentences and fines to sexual harassment offenses in the latest attempt to curb workplace sexual harassment. The amendments, which were read out on Monday, cover the Act of Gender Equality in Employment and the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, further defining “power-abused sexual harassment” to provide grounds for punitive justice.
The amendments spell out fines and criminal retribution for employers and supervisors who leverage their power and authority to sexually harass their subordinates. Those who have been found guilty could face up to NT$ 1 million (US$ 32,000) in penalties. The lawmakers decided that those who are convicted of sexual harassment could face up to 2 years in prison.
In addition, the legislature also prohibits news media outlets and any person to publicize victims’ personal information. Those who fail to comply will be fined up to NT$ 600,000 (US$ 19,000). The statute of limitations for reporting of sexual harassment cases has also been extended from six months to two years, and for cases of power-abused sexual harassment to seven years.