Ukraine to impose fines for online sexual harassment
28 May 2024 11:17
Humiliating messages of a sexual nature in messengers will be fined up to UAH 2,720. This is stated in Law No. 8329, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on 22 May, amending the Code of Administrative Offences in connection with the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences has been supplemented with Article 173-7 on sexual harassment. According to it, sexual harassment is the intentional commission of offensive, humiliating actions of a sexual nature, expressed verbally or non-verbally (words, gestures, body movements), including through the use of electronic communications, against a person’s will.
The sanction of this article provides for a fine of 80 to 160 tax-free minimum incomes (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 20% deduction of earnings.
Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk signed the law. The law has been sent to the President of Ukraine for his signature.
The law will come into force six months after its publication.
