The existing definition of sexual harassment was too vague and the law was therefore unable to affect real offenders. That is why France repealed the law on sexual harassment at the end of last week. The victims of sexual harassment, who have lost their legal protection, will have to wait for a new legislation for several months, France24 informed.
Women's organizations oppose the repeal of the law and consider the fact that it is not possible to punish sexual abusers in the workplaces unacceptable. The arguments from the other side state that the new law will give judges clearer formulations and allow more convictions. Nevertheless, the cases of sexual harassment which have not yet been decided will remain without judgment. Media have immediately renewed discussion about the case of the former head of the International Monetary Fund Dominique Strauss-Kahn accussed of sexual harassment.
The new French president Francois Hollande has promissed to enforce the new law on sexual harassment as soon as possible. However, it may take many months.
The law on sexual harassment has existed in France since 1992. In 2002, it was amended in an effort to make the definition of sexual harassment more clear. Offender of the crime was defined as someone who abused his authority to gain sexual favours. He could be punished by up to one year imprisonment or a fine of 15,000 euros. Decisions of the Constitutional Court, which decided to repeal this law, cannot be appealed.
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