Chinese province redefines what a good Samaritan is

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A Chinese province is legally redefining what heroism means in an attempt to prevent good Samaritans from risking their life when helping others.

The amended regulations in east China's Jiangsu Province, which will take effect from January 1 next year, places emphasis on the safety of those who try to lend a helping hand and suggest that people should spring to help in a proper and safe way.

The amendment redefines what heroic deeds mean, removing the long-used statement of "at cost of personal safety," and stressing instead the notion of a sensible Samaritan, someone who acts on their feet but not imprudently.

It also provides those recognized as Samaritans for their acts of courage with a net of social security, stipulating that employers cannot sack a Samaritan who was injured while helping others, or deduct their salary when on sick leave.

Financial support to Samaritans will come from the government's budget and rewards from the provincial Samaritan Foundation, the regulations noted.

VCG Photo

Jiangsu was the first province in China to issue regulation on rewards and protection of Samaritans in 1995 and this is third time that the province has amended relevant regulations.

Netizens have welcomed the changes, with some suggesting other laws should be tweaked.

"Hope that the laws on domestic violence, juvenile crimes and sexual assault could also be amended," Weibo user @Woshinagexingyunema said.

"Don't act imprudently but rather sensibly, and then act with both wisdom and strength. Respect life and cherish life," @Weilongyuan advised.

According to Ni Hongjuan, the secretary-general of the provincial Samaritan Foundation, a total of 102,900 people have been given the title of Samaritan since 1993 and 373 million yuan (53 million U.S. dollars) have been spent on rewards and pensions.