The Minister of the Environment, Diana Buzoianu, announced on Wednesday evening that the bill she submitted to the Parliament, which aims to sanction sexual harassment outside of work relationships, received a favorable opinion from the Economic and Social Council.
“The draft law that I submitted to the Parliament, regarding the sanctioning of sexual harassment and when it is not part of an employment relationship, received today a favorable opinion from the Economic and Social Council! Out of 40 votes: 39 for, one vote against. I thank the members of the CES for today’s vote!”it transmitted.
What the project provides
The legislative initiative proposes to amend the Criminal Code, so that sexual harassment is punished regardless of the context in which it takes place, not only in work relationships.
“Amend the Criminal Code so that sexual harassment is penalized regardless of the context in which it occurs, not just in employment relationships. If the act was committed within an employment relationship or similar, then it must be aggravating.” he also wrote this.
The project also introduces the expansion of criminal liability in situations where sexual favors are requested, even if the act is not repeated, but involves pressure on the victim.
“At the same time, even if the act is not repeated, the draft law proposes to extend the criminal liability also for the act of claiming favors of a sexual nature if any form of pressure was used on the victim and it is likely to cause him a state of fear, in one of the following situations:
a) the victim is in the care, protection, education, guard or treatment of the perpetrator;
b) the act was committed by a family member or by a person who lives with the victim;
c) the victim is in a state of obvious vulnerability, due to age, illness, a physical or mental handicap, pregnancy or a dependency situation;
d) the act was committed by two or more people together”, he also wrote this.
The minister emphasized that the goal of the project is to increase protection for victims of sexual harassment, regardless of the environment in which it takes place.
“In short, safety for victims. Normalcy”Diana Buzoianu also transmitted.
The bill is due to be debated in Parliament, and if passed, it would bring important changes to the criminal law on sexual crimes.
