Tunisian lawmakers are outlining a law that cracks down on sexual harassment and assault, in a groundbreaking move to protect women throughout the country.
The suggested law recommends up to one year in prison for anyone who harasses a woman in a public place, in words, actions, or hand signals.
The law also recommends a financial penalty of 2000 Tunisian Dinar ($1,000) for sexual discrimination or harassment in the workplace. Furthermore, the fine can be doubled if the discrimination is repeated or appears habitual, according to Article 17 of the suggested law.
Another amendment proposed is Article 226, stating that men convicted of sexual harassment could face up to two years in prison, and a financial penalty of 5,000 Tunisian Dinar ($2,500).
The law most strongly cracks down on statuatory rape. In the proposal, a man having sexual relations with a girl under the age of 18 could be subject to up to five years in prison - even if the relationship is deemed consensual.
If enacted, this law and proposed ammendments would be some of the strictest and most pro-women legislation in the Arab world.
