french assembly to vote on harassment law

The French National Assembly is set to vote on a new sexual harassment law on July 23, one week after male legislators broke out in hooting and catcalls when a cabinet minister stood to speak while wearing a blue and white flowered dress. The hecklers later said they were merely showing their appreciation on a warm summer's day. The Associated  reported the Assembly is expected to take up the new law on harassment, more than two months after a court struck down the previous statute, saying it was too vague and failed to protect women. All cases that were pending when the law was struck down May 4 were thrown out. Under the new proposal, sexual harassment will be a criminal offence, punishable by up to three years in prison. In the United States, it's a civil offence usually punishable by fines