World Bulletin / News Desk

India's Parliament has passed a sweeping new law to protect women against sexual violence in response to a brutal December gang rape in New Delhi.

The bill was passed Thursday by the upper house of Parliament, two days after the lower house approved it.

The new law criminalizes stalking, voyeurism and sexual harassment. It also provides for a death penalty for repeat offenders or for rape attacks that lead to the victim's death.

A government panel set up after the December gang rape recommended sweeping changes to India's rape laws. The Cabinet passed an ordinance in response, but Parliament had to pass a new law by next month before the ordinance expired.