In response to a recent surge in allegations and the emergence of the #MeToo movement on the island, Taiwan’s cabinet has put forth a proposal for stricter laws against sexual harassment. This move comes nearly six years after the global prominence of the #MeToo movement. The proposed reforms to Taiwan’s gender equality laws aim to impose harsher penalties on perpetrators, extend the statute of limitations for filing complaints, and enhance resources to support victims.
The #MeToo movement, which gained traction in 2017 following allegations of sexual misconduct against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, led women worldwide to share their experiences with sexual harassment on social media. These revelations triggered investigations and resulted in the downfall of prominent men in positions of power. Addressing workplace harassment that exploits power imbalances is a key focus of Taiwan’s proposed reforms, as emphasized by Lo Ping-cheng, the minister without portfolio who spearheaded the cabinet’s efforts.
Under the revised laws, employers found guilty of sexual harassment could face fines of up to T$1 million ($32,306) and imprisonment for up to three years. Lo highlighted the need to close the existing loophole of inadequate penalties for employers. Taiwan’s #MeToo movement gained momentum at the end of May when a former staffer at the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) publicly shared her experience of sexual harassment, which was dismissed by a party official. This disclosure prompted a wave of allegations regarding sexual harassment and assault, extending beyond the political realm into sectors such as academia and entertainment.
The cabinet conducted over 70 meetings within a month to ensure the expeditious and rigorous completion of the legal work, according to cabinet spokesperson Lin Tze-luen. The proposed amendments have now been submitted to parliament for approval by lawmakers. In conjunction with the legal reforms, measures include the establishment of a counseling hotline and the training of additional case investigators.
Senior DPP officials, including President Tsai Ing-wen, have expressed apologies to the victims of sexual harassment and the public in light of these allegations.
