Lawmakers in east China's Zhejiang Province are deliberating a draft law that defines sexual harassment and would allow victims to sue.

The bill would outlaw sexually suggestive language or pictures, even if used in jest, in e-mails or cellphone text messages, and inappropriate physical action towards women.

If passed, the proposal would allow victims to report cases to their employers, departments, and public security bureaus, who are obliged to take measures to prevent or stop such behavior. The victims also have the right to sue the offenders.

Sexual harassment was written into the amendment of the national law on the protection of women's rights in 2005. However, it failed to provide a clear definition of sexual harassment, which made it difficult to prove in court.

Shanghai enacted a law clearly defining sexual harassment late last month. It says actual physical contact, verbal abuse, written language, pictures, or electronically transmitted information could be considered sexual harassment.

Similar statutes have been passed in Jiangxi, Shaanxi and Anhui provinces and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, allowing victims to complain or sue the offenders.

Defining sexual harassment at the local level was a welcome attempt to supplement national law and helped enhance the effect of laws and regulations, said Shen Guoming, a member of the Judicial Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2007)