Iran has announced a temporary pause on the implementation of a controversial new law that would impose stricter hijab requirements for women. This decision comes amid concerns that the legislation could provoke widespread protests reminiscent of those that erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, which ignited a national outcry against the enforcement of Iran’s strict dress codes.
The Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, approved by the Iranian parliament in September 2023, sought to enforce harsher penalties for women who refuse to wear the hijab and for businesses that serve them. According to Shahram Dabiri, the vice president in charge of parliamentary affairs, the law will not be forwarded to the government for ratification this week as initially planned. “It was decided that this law will not be referred to the government by the parliament for now,” Dabiri stated in an interview with the pro-reform Ham Mihan daily.
The decision to delay implementation was made collectively by senior officials from Iran’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Dabiri noted that it is currently “not feasible” to enact this bill, although he did not provide further details on the reasoning behind this pause.
Had the bill moved forward, it would have required President Masoud Pezeshkian to endorse it within five days, after which it would take effect within 15 days. The president lacks veto power over legislation, which could have placed him in a precarious position if he chose not to enforce it or if he attempted to appeal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for intervention.
The proposed legislation included severe penalties: fines ranging from $800 for first offenses to $1,500 for subsequent violations, and prison sentences of up to 15 years for repeat offenders. Additionally, public figures could face confiscation of 8% of their net worth if found in violation of the hijab mandate. Businesses serving women not adhering to hijab laws risked heavy fines or closure.
The proposed law has sparked significant backlash from women’s rights activists and human rights organizations, who argue that it represents an escalation of state control over personal freedoms. The death of Mahsa Amini while in custody for allegedly violating hijab regulations has become a rallying point for protests against Iran’s morality police and their enforcement tactics.
Takyiwaa Manuh, an advocate for LGBTQ rights and a professor at the University of Ghana, commented on the implications of this decision: “This ruling risks deepening discrimination and marginalization against women in Iran.” Activists fear that resuming enforcement of such laws could lead to further violence and repression.
The international community has closely monitored developments regarding Iran’s treatment of women and its enforcement of hijab laws. The United Nations has condemned Iran’s actions, stating that such measures violate fundamental human rights. The U.S. State Department has also expressed its concerns over the implications of these laws on women’s safety and autonomy.
In light of these developments, many observers believe that Iran’s leadership may be attempting to avoid another wave of protests that could destabilize the regime. Since Amini’s death, many Iranian women have increasingly defied existing hijab laws by appearing in public without headscarves despite facing potential arrest or harassment.
As Iran navigates this complex social landscape, the future of women’s rights remains uncertain. The temporary halt on enforcing stricter hijab laws may provide a brief reprieve for activists and advocates pushing for greater freedoms. However, without systemic change or genuine dialogue about women’s rights and personal freedoms, many fear that these issues will continue to fester beneath the surface.
In conclusion, while this pause may signal a recognition of public sentiment against draconian dress codes, it is essential for both domestic and international stakeholders to remain vigilant in advocating for human rights in Iran. The ongoing struggle for women’s rights continues to evolve as activists seek to challenge oppressive laws and promote equality.
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