By Kang Shin-who Staff Reporter For the first time in Korea, direct and indirect discrimination on grounds of race, sex and nationality will be subject to legal punishment when the anti-discrimination bill is passed in November. The plan is a U-turn from the current practice that does not entail any legal action for violators of discriminatory rules. The Ministry of Justice announced Friday its plan to submit an anti-discrimination bill to the National Assembly in November. Under the bill, employers discriminating against immigrant workers will be subject to legal punishment. The bill bans all types of direct and indirect discrimination against a person on the basis of race, sex and nationality, According to the bill, victims of discrimination can petition the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and have courts issue orders to stop discrimination or compensate for the damage inflicted. In addition, those who have witnessed unfair treatment of workers can appeal on behalf of the victims for correction of discriminatory working conditions and salary. Also, retaliatory actions against those who report unfair treatment will also be subject to punishment. Especially, the bill restrains not only direct discrimination but also indirect bias as well as abuse. ``Banning discrimination is necessary to realize guaranteed equalization in the Constitution. The law will protect those suffering from unfair treatment solely because of their race and sex as well as age, handicap and one’s medical history,’’ the ministry official said. The legislation is expected to contribute to social unity and reduce conflict between different classes. NHRC proposed the law against discrimination to the government and the ministry has drafted the bill in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor. The law will be submitted to the National Assembly in November. kswho@koreatimes.co.kr