The World Briefly
August 08, 2023Closer Attention
Taiwan
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Taiwan amended its sexual harassment laws this month following a wave of #MeToo accusations that had gripped the island nation in recent months, the Associated Press reported.
The amendments target three laws governing sexual harassment and will include higher penalties, as well as longer periods for victims to come forward.
The island nation has three laws governing sexual harassment: One for the workplace, one for the school, and another that covers areas outside those two domains.
Changes in workplace law will require employers to report sexual harassment cases to the local division of their labor department. Failure to address complaints will result in fines of more than $31,000.
The amendments also close certain loopholes, such as removing exemptions for small businesses with fewer than 30 people from having to establish mechanisms for reporting sexual harassment.
Meanwhile, legislation for the education sector will forbid educators from having romantic relations with students under the age of 18. It will also fine principals and teachers who fail to report a sexual harassment allegation within 24 hours.
Taiwan’s #MeToo movement was reignited in May when a woman working for the ruling party Democratic Progressive Party accused a film director of groping her and making unwanted advances.
Following her public accusation, more Taiwanese women came forward with allegations against politicians, as well as individuals in entertainment, music, and schools.
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