Hearing scheduled for tax threshold
By Zhao Huanxin (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-08-29 05:34

The draft amendment submitted to the legislature last Tuesday said people making less than 1,500 yuan (US$185) a month will no longer pay income tax, up from the previous cut-off point of 800 yuan (US$98).

"It is the first time for the NPC and its Standing Committee to hold a legislative hearing," Wu said. "Parties concerned should give it high importance and co-operate ... to ensure that the hearing is a success."

A legislative hearing is one of China's lawmakers' measures geared towards more transparency and democracy in the lawmaking process, Wu said.

Last month, the NPC published in full in the media the draft of the Property Law, in order to solicit public opinion after lawmakers had discussed it three times, he said.

With regard to the draft amendment of the 1992 Law on Protection of Rights and Interests of Women, which was passed yesterday, Wu said it designates gender equality as one of the country's basic State policies for the first time.

Other legislators highlighted the significant bearing of outlawing sexual harassment in the amendment, which also empowers women to "lodge complaints" to relevant organizations.

"It is the first time the issue of sexual harassment has been written into law," said legislator Xin Chunying. "It marks major social progress and indicates a more complete protection of women's rights and interests."

The amended law, to be effective on December 1, 2005, does not define sexual harassment, however. Xin said chances are judicial interpretations will be made in this regard.

In the law on penalties for offences against public order, which was passed yesterday, regulations were made to penalize streetwalkers, pimps and football hooligans for the first time.