Harsher Penalties for Women Violating Hijab Rules Pass in Iran Parliament
Iran’s parliament has approved new legislation imposing stricter penalties on women who breach the country’s hijab rules. The move comes in the wake of widespread protests that erupted following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, who died while in custody of the regime’s morality police.
Under the new bill, women who fail to wear the hijab properly in public will face fines that increase progressively with repeated offenses. The legislation also extends these penalties to men who wear revealing clothing that exposes areas below the chest or above the ankles. In addition, the bill outlines consequences for celebrities and businesses that do not comply with the regulations.
However, it is important to note that the bill is yet to receive final approval from the Guardian Council, which oversees legislative matters in Iran. This council must review and validate all bills passed by the parliament before they can be enacted as law.
The passing of this legislation has provoked mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters argue that strict adherence to the hijab rules preserves Islamic values and protects the nation’s moral fabric. In their view, imposing harsher penalties acts as a deterrent and reinforces compliance with these conservative dress codes.
On the other hand, critics argue that these new penalties only serve to further restrict personal freedoms and violate basic human rights. They assert that women should have the right to choose how they dress and that the government should not interfere in their personal choices. They also raise concerns about the enforcement of these new measures, particularly the potential for abuse by authorities.
The death of Mahsa Amini last year fueled widespread protests against the enforcement of hijab rules. Demonstrators called for an end to the moral policing of women’s clothing choices and demanded more personal freedom in expressing their individuality.
It remains to be seen how the Guardian Council will respond to this newly passed legislation. If approved, it will further reinforce the existing hijab rules and potentially deepen divisions within Iranian society.
In considering the broader implications, this development highlights the ongoing tension between conservative Islamic values and personal freedom in Iran. As the country continues to grapple with these conflicting forces, the international community closely watches the outcomes and impact on the lives of Iranian women.
