Taiwan legislative referendum approvals

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed a proposal for a public referendum regarding the introduction of judicial whipping as a special criminal penalty. Initiated by 52 Kuomintang legislators, the measure targets four specific crime categories: sexual assault, child abuse, high-value fraud, and complex or aggravated fraud.

If the Central Election Commission completes necessary procedures by August 28, the referendum could be held alongside the nine-in-one local elections on November 28. This follows previous legislative moves to advance three referendums, including measures on nuclear energy and traffic fine allocations.

The proposal has met significant opposition. The Coalition Against the Death Penalty and various human rights organizations issued a joint statement arguing that judicial whipping is unconstitutional. Critics contend the policy violates international human rights obligations against “torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment” and would conflict with the ‘Implementation Act of the Two Covenants’.

Furthermore, opponents raised concerns regarding international judicial cooperation and extradition processes, as well as medical ethics, noting that the system would require medical professionals to monitor the physical condition of those being punished.