I was recently quoted in the article “Shoura finalizes draft law on sexual harassment” which appeared in the Saudi Gazette on March 26, and I would like to clarify some of the issues raised in that report. The Shoura Council is interested in finding a solution to sexual harassment in our society in light of the fact that the female labor force has increased lately. Three years ago, a Shoura member suggested a draft law on sexual harassment. It was welcomed by the majority of the members and was sent to the Social Affairs Committee for further study. Meanwhile, a new draft law called “Law of Protection Against Harassment” came to the Shoura Council for study and approval. The Shoura decided to include and insert the law of sexual harassment in this comprehensive law which regulates penalties against all public assaults, and imposes fines, which range from warnings to lashes, prison terms, and financial fines, depending on the type of harassment and violation. The new comprehensive law is now in its final phase of study and discussion. It may be approved and issued soon. Dr. Sadaka Y. Fadil Member of the Shoura Council and Professor of Political Science __
