Former legislator's comments ruled sexual harassment, faces fine
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A former legislator's accusation that a political candidate secured information through sexual favors has been ruled a case of sexual harassment.
- The New Taipei City Government's investigation found the comments were not reasonable commentary but met the criteria for sexual harassment.
- The former legislator faces a fine of up to NT$100,000 for the remarks made online and on television.
New Taipei City's government has ruled that comments made by former legislator Tsai Cheng-yuan, accusing a political candidate of obtaining information through sexual favors, constitute sexual harassment. The ruling came after the candidate, Ma Yu-wen, filed a lawsuit against Tsai.
Tsai had questioned Ma's relationship with investigators, suggesting she had a "sleep-with-me relationship" similar to a past scandal involving a former official. He also questioned how she obtained sensitive information so easily, implying a close personal connection was involved. Ma, who was running for Taipei city council, had previously reported on corruption allegations against former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je.
The New Taipei City Government's Department of Social Welfare reviewed evidence, including screenshots of Tsai's social media posts and video clips from television programs. The department concluded that Tsai's remarks, which involved sexual and gender-related language and specifically targeted Ma with images, were not reasonable commentary. They met the definition of sexual harassment under Taiwan's Act for Elimination of Sexual Harassment.
Consequently, Tsai Cheng-yuan will be fined between NT$10,000 and NT$100,000. The city government urged the public to be cautious with their words, especially concerning sexual and gender issues, to avoid causing harm and violating the law. The ruling emphasizes the legal consequences for making unsubstantiated and offensive claims.
She runs what kind of relationship with the investigation unit? Does she have a sleep-with-me relationship like Ting Yun-kung? Seven years, does she have an 8,000 relationship? Ask clearly, otherwise, wow, how can the information be so easily obtained? Without a relationship that is intimate to a certain extent, who would give you such important information? Outrageous!
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.