Iranian Deputies Vote To Toughen Penalties For Women Flouting Dress Code

RFL/RE – Iranian lawmakers passed a bill on September 20 to toughen penalties for women who flout the Islamic dress code, with jail terms of up to 10 years, state media reported. The assembly approved “the ‘Support for the Culture of Hijab and Chastity’ bill for a trial period of three years,” IRNA reported. The bill requires Guardians Council approval. Since mass protests broke out last year, women have been increasingly flouting the strict dress code that requires head coverings and modest clothes. The demonstrations broke out after the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly breaching the dress code.