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Public Officials Can Now Be Punished For
Sexual Harassment
Costa Ricans, especially woman, now have
added support of the law against sexual
harassment at work or at school, as
legislators approved in second and final
debate reforms to the law, "Ley Contra El
Hostigamiento Sexual".
One of the major changes in the law in the
reforms is sanctions against public
officials who are convicted of sexual
harassment.
Under the reform, public officials, like
mayors, legislators, town leaders and
regidores convicted of sexual harassment of
a subordinate, in addition to facing
criminal penalties, will also lose their
jobs and title.
Up to now many public officials got away
with sexual harassment, as it was argued
that there never was a direct
employer-employee relationship established,
thus leaving subordinates vulnerable to
sexual harassment and abuse.
The reform also protects domestic workers
from harassment of their employers.
The proposal was spearheaded by legislators
Elena Chacóna of the Partido Unidad Social
Cristiana (PUSC) and Pratricia Quirós of the
Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC).
"One of the most important aspects of the
reform is the protection of domestic workers
when they make a charge of sexual harassment
that can now be referred to the ministry of
Labour to take action", said Chacón.
Under the reform, the domestic worker can
now rely on the labour law to end employment
(quit her or his job) and get paid all the
benefits when charges of sexual harassment
are involved.
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