China's legislature yesterday passed amendments to the law on women's rights protection, which "prohibits sexual harassment of women" and empowers women to "lodge complaints" to relevant organizations. The amendments, to take effect from Dec. 1, 2005, also contain a clause that states "granting men and women equal status is a basic state policy of the country. The state will adopt necessary measures to gradually improve various systems to guarantee the rights and interests of women and remove all sorts of discrimination against women."

For a long time, "sexual harassment" has been regarded as a moral issue rather than a legal one in China. Of the nearly 10 sexual harassment cases that entered legal proceedings since 2001, only one plaintiff won.

A survey conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences shows nearly 40 percent of women in private businesses and foreign-funded businesses has experienced sexual harassment.

Chinese law experts call the new clause an improvement in China's legal system, noting the system now strives to provide all-round protection to people, both physically and psychologically.

According to the amendments passed at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the State Council will work out China Development Program for Women and local governments across the country will map out development planning for women.

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