Iran’s New Hijab Law: A Shift from a Strict to a Soft Approach
WANA (Nov 30) – The events of 2022 in Iran following Mahsa Amini’s death and the increasing disorder in the domain of dress codes intensified social tensions. On the one hand, unconventional clothing and the inaction of officials sparked protests; on the other hand, inappropriate enforcement sometimes exacerbated divisions.
In this context, the idea of drafting a new dress code law was proposed. Iran’s judiciary prepared a bill, amended by the government, and presented it to parliament. Ultimately, the “Law to Protect Families through Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab” was approved by parliament and the Guardian Council for a three-year trial period. This law is set to take effect on December 14. However, can it satisfy diverse social groups and restore calm to society?
Hijab in Iran: A Continuing Challenge
WANA (August 05) – The use of clothing in any society is shaped by its specific standards and patterns, reflecting its unique culture and religious beliefs. These standards and frameworks evolve due to the influence of various cultures, changing societal beliefs, and shifts in governance and dynasties, and Iran is no exception to these changes. […]
A Shift from Strict to Soft Approaches
Despite past opposition to methods such as morality police patrols, some studies indicate that people support initiatives that control public indecency without direct confrontation.
Globally, there are two main approaches to addressing social issues: the strict approach (criminalization), often involving severe punishments and arrests, and the soft approach (decriminalization), which relies on smart systems, warnings, and gradual fines to reduce violations.
Under the new dress code law, the approach has shifted from strict to soft to reduce social tensions. The law replaces “criminalization” with “decriminalization,” meaning that while decisive actions will be taken against those actively promoting indecency, instances of improper dress in public spaces will be handled gradually and with leniency.
For example, instead of morality police patrolling public areas, individuals identified for unveiling or improper dress through surveillance cameras will receive warning messages and fines. These fines will be suspended initially but will escalate if violations are repeated. Furthermore, an objection mechanism has been established to minimize errors in identifying violations.
Which is implemented , the political Hijab or the religious Hijab?
WANA (Mar 09) – A few months have passed since the recent riots in Iran, and now it is possible to have a better analysis and a clearer picture of the situation. In the first days of the street riots, the concern about the law to abolish the mandatory hijab was more prominent than […]
Decisive Action Against Key Violators
The new hijab law in Iran takes a firm stance against the main factors of improper hijab and dress. The law imposes heavy penalties on individuals who cause harm to the moral security of society and commodify women, such as importers of inappropriate clothing, promoters of indecency, and influencers in cyberspace, as well as media platforms like Aparat, Filimo, and others.
Severe penalties are also imposed on influential figures, including celebrities and officials, for non-compliance. Negligent officials who contribute to societal moral instability will face penalties such as suspension from government service for up to two years. Organized groups collaborating with media and hostile governments against the Islamic Republic will face imprisonment and significant financial penalties.
In addition to penalties, the law emphasizes cultural and educational initiatives. These include encouraging the production of artistic and media content that promotes family values, recognizing modest clothing as a cultural commodity eligible for tax exemptions, and enhancing women’s welfare services. It also includes plans to develop Islamic-Iranian tourism and prioritize respect for privacy.
Iranian women attend the Hijab exhibition in Tehran, Iran July 15, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Equal Penalties for People of All Genders
The new law ensures equal penalties for male and female violators. For instance, men entering women-only spaces or public transportation sections designated for women, or dressing improperly in public, will face similar consequences as women.
One of the challenges of previous laws was the lack of attention to practical execution. The new law addresses this by imposing penalties on negligent officials and offenders at every stage of implementation, ensuring greater efficiency. Through warnings and gradual fines, the law aims to engage the public more broadly in its enforcement.
Ultimately, the law seeks to secure its success and sustainability by prioritizing effective implementation and allocating necessary financial resources for the coming years.
Separated subway section for women in Iran. Social media/ WANA News Agency
A Broader Perspective: Dress Codes in the “War Against Family”
Legislation on social dress codes in Iran has always been contentious. However, what is often overlooked is that the issue of dress must be viewed within the larger framework of a “war against the family.”
This phenomenon is not unique to Iran. Family-oriented movements in many countries resist the wave of sexual pluralism promoted by Western governments and capitalist systems. Iran, with its unique characteristics, plays a significant role in this civilizational struggle, especially as widespread media and satellite networks promote the culture of sexual freedom and indecency.
In this context, Iran requires greater national unity around the issue of dress codes, not only to reduce internal divisions but also to counter indecency and protect the family as a unifying national priority.
Iranian women attend in Pro-Islamic Hijab gathering in Tehran, Iran December 1, 2022. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
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