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Iranwire – The Guardian Council of the Islamic Republic has approved a controversial draft law imposing more restrictions on the public appearance of Iranians.
The hardline council has approved the controversial new bill of “Hijab and Chastity,” according to MP Moussa Ghazanfarabadi.
The 12-member Guardian Council is responsible for interpreting the constitution and supervising elections, and wields significant influence by ensuring all laws and policies align with Islamic principles and the constitution.
MP Ghazanfarabadi said that the Guardian Council has approved the same principles that the parliament had initially proposed.
The bill will now be sent back to the parliament for formal approval to become a law.
It had previously faced objections, particularly regarding articles 47 to 49, which discussed the extent of punishments for violations.
The bill, presented to parliament on May 24 by the government of Ebrahim Raisi, outlines severe penalties for women who violate mandatory headscarf rules.
Non-compliance with the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code is deemed “nudity.” Offenders could face fines up to 8 million tomans ($150), with the fines being doubled if not paid within a month, they could also lose their jobs and be banned from social media activities for up to one year.
Repeat offenders would face imprisonment from six months to three years.
The “Chastity and Hijab” bill has gained support from some officials of the Islamic Republic who consider the hijab a “red line.”
Detractors argue that the proposed law focuses on punitive measures, restricts personal freedoms, and unjustly interferes with individuals’ clothing choices.
The controversial bill was drafted following months-long nationwide protests, sparked by Mahsa Amini’s custodial death in 2022, demanding more freedoms and women’s rights.
All women in Iran must conceal their hair with a headscarf and wear loose fitting trousers under their coats while in public, but a growing number of Iranian women have appeared in public without head coverings.
