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Liya Su

A club in China has demanded all male guests sign an agreement that they will not sexually harass female guests.
Dark Palace, a private venue in Guangdong province, southeastern China, is taking measures to protect women who patronise the premises, it has announced on WeChat.
The club’s management said it has created a healthy underground music community and did not want to impose unnecessary restrictions on guests, but was aware that some women had suffered sexual harassment.
One recent incident at the club, described as “outrageous” – which it would not reveal details about – had finally prompted management to make the decision to ensure women felt safe while enjoying themselves.

“In the future all males who want to enter Dark Palace should sign the letter of agreement regarding anti-sexual harassment ,” it announced.
The letter makes it clear that all behaviour inside the club should be based on respect for females and other guests.
Not only does it remind male guests to refrain from sexual harassment towards female guests, it also suggests that male and female strangers should avoid physical contact and verbal harassment.
Any male guest who does not adhere to the new rules will be blacklisted from the club and the police might be called.
“If you’re the kind of people who love music, equality and fraternity, you will find it cool to sign this,” the letter of agreement said.
It also pointed out that men who feel uncomfortable with the arrangement are not their target guests.
“We don’t welcome you. No admittance,” it said.
The story kicked off a heated discussion on mainland social media with many people opposing the move.
“That’s so good. I support the club,” one person said.
“A responsible club,” said another.
“It’s useless. Just because they sign a letter of agreement doesn’t mean they won’t violate the rule, right?,” a third person said.

“The anti-harassment agreement should be applied to female guests too,” another online observer said.
At present, China has no specific law or regulation about sexual harassment, but the Women’s Protection Law clearly defines what constitutes sexual harassment and encourages women to report incidents to the police.
Some local governments on the mainland have taken steps to deal with the issue.
In March 2021, Shenzhen, in the southern province of Guangdong, released its first-ever guidelines for schools, universities and workplaces, outlining what sexual harassment is and requiring organisations to listen to complaints and carry out internal investigations.


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Club also suggests strangers avoid physical contact, verbal harassment
Male guests who flout rules face being blacklisted, police investigation


A club in China is taking the threat of sexual harassment against women on its premises very seriously by demanding male guests sign a form agreeing to behave with respect.


China society

Private China club insists men sign anti-sexual harassment agreement before entering venue in wake of ‘outrageous’ incidents

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Club also suggests strangers avoid physical contact, verbal harassment Male guests who flout rules face being blacklisted, police investigation

Club also suggests strangers avoid physical contact, verbal harassment

Male guests who flout rules face being blacklisted, police investigation