Men and women convicted of committing sexual harassment will serve up to five years in prison or incur fines of up to SR500,000 or both, according to a draft law that will be discussed by the Shoura Council this week for endorsement.

The new law will be applicable on individuals found guilty of making unwelcome sexual advances toward others.

The law has described sexual harassment as a crime and includes any act that affects honor, modesty or physical wellbeing, whether committed individually or by a group.

“The objective of this law is to protect peoples’ privacy and honor and their personal freedom, rights that are protected in Islamic law, and aims at preventing all forms of harassment,” an official statement said.

The law also warns harassers that their responsibility for the crime would not disappear by later obtaining consent or waiver. The statement urged harassment victims to inform authorities about the crime immediately.

The law urged public and private organizations and firms to take precautionary measures to prevent harassment by publicizing punishment for such behavior and through highlighting its negative impact on individuals and families.

Badr Almotawa, a Saudi analyst, emphasized the significance of the law in preventing harassment.

According to Almotawa, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) is t--he right agency to implement the law.

“Haia officials have been doing a great job of protecting society members from immoral conduct,” he told Arab News.