Jamaica, May 31st 2017 – Kingston– Sexual Harassment is a serious crime and persons in Jamaica experience it daily. Amid the increase of sexual harassment reports on the island, the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange has confirmed that the Sexual Harassment Bill will be sent to the Legislation Committee of Cabinet soon. Grange stated, “The amended Bill, once approved by the Legislation Committee, will be brought back to Parliament this legislative year as we seek to protect all women and men from unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and crude sexual behaviours that affect quality of life by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment,”
Reports indicate that the bill has been a long-awaited one and now citizens, especially those who experience sexual harassment – whether at the workplace or in the streets – will finally be able to express relief when it is delivered in parliament. During her contribution to the 2017/18 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representative on Tuesday, the minister expressed that the draft legislation had already been sent to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, and amendments had already been made.
Once passed, the bill will allow for persons to be charged and face jail time.
Story By: Kay-Marie Fletcher
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