Sexual insults online: how they will be punished in Ukraine
19 June 2024 14:36
Ukraine will impose fines for offensive sexual messages in messengers. The relevant law was signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
We are talking about Law No. 8329 of 02.01.2023, which was signed by the head of state on 17 June. At the time (21 November 2023 – ed.), 201 people’s deputies voted for its adoption. The document provides for a monetary penalty for sending humiliating messages of a sexual nature.
The law adds Article 173-7 to the Code of Administrative Offences.
“Sexual harassment, i.e. intentional commission of offensive, humiliating acts of a sexual nature, expressed verbally or non-verbally (words, gestures, body movements), including through the use of electronic communications, against the person’s will, shall be punishable by a fine of UAH 1,360 to 2,720 or community service for a period of 20 to 40 hours, or correctional labour for up to one month with a deduction of 20% of the person’s earnings,” the law states.
In this case, “sexual harassment” means actions of a sexual nature (that do not infringe on a person’s sexual freedom or sexual inviolability), expressed verbally, non-verbally or physically (words, gestures, body movements, touching, patting or other similar actions), which offend or humiliate a person and may be accompanied by the creation of an intimidating, hostile or offensive, humiliating environment.
In other words, an offensive comment of a sexual nature can result in a fine of UAH 1,360 to 2,720, community service or even correctional labour. You will also have to pay money for sending photo 18 in personal messages.
The law will come into force six months after its publication.
