Saudi Arabia has passed a new law to criminalise sexual harassment, less than a month before it lifts its decades-long ban on women driving, AFP reported Wednesday (May 30th).
The Shura Council, which advises the cabinet, passed a draft law on Monday which would introduce a prison term of up to five years and a maximum penalty of 300,000 riyals ($80,000).
The law has been approved by the cabinet, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a statement issued by the Information Ministry, Shura Council member Latifa al-Shaalan described the move as ”a very important addition to the history of regulations in the kingdom”.
"It fills a large legislative vacuum, and it is a deterrent," she added.
The new law appears to be in preparation for the historic lifting of the kingdom's driving ban on women which goes into effect on June 24th.
