Ali Motahari's Conditional Approval for Women's Presence in Stadiums

The Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly expressed his conditional agreement for women's presence in stadiums, stating it must adhere to 'Sharia and customary limits.' According to a report on Tuesday, July 9, on the Ministry of Sports and Youth's website, Ali Motahari made these remarks following a meeting of members of the Cultural Commission of the Parliament with the Minister of Sports and Youth. This member of the Cultural Commission told the reporter from this site, 'I agree with the presence of women in stadiums as long as Sharia guidelines are maintained, and I have no objection if these conditions are respected.' In a video of the conversation with Mr. Motahari, he stated, 'I agree with the presence of women in football and volleyball stadiums and similar venues, provided that our Sharia and customary regulations are preserved.' However, this representative considered women's presence in stadiums for watching wrestling matches to be a 'different issue.' Motahari added that if women have 'a special section in the stadiums and their entry and exit routes and restrooms are separate,' he sees no prohibition against their presence in sports halls and watching competitions. This statement from Ali Motahari, who has strict cultural views contrary to his political opinions, is one of his few positive stances in recent years regarding such requests in Iran. These comments come after Hossein Allah-Karam, head of the Hezbollah Coordination Council, issued a statement warning against women's entry into stadiums. He wrote on his Instagram page that he has complained to the Ministry of Sports and Youth for bringing hundreds of female spectators to the men's volleyball match between Iran and Belgium. The Hezbollah Coordination Council also stated in a petition addressed to the head of the judiciary that if this authority does not prevent women's entry into stadiums, Hezbollah members will be compelled to act 'fire-at-will' to stop women from entering stadiums, based on statements from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, Tayebe Siavashi Shaheni, the Deputy Head of the Women’s Faction in the Parliament, stated that there is no legal prohibition against women's entry into stadiums. Parvaneh Salahshouri, head of the Women’s Faction in the Parliament, also viewed the presence of some women in Azadi Stadium to watch the volleyball match between Iran and Belgium as a 'good omen.' According to her, the women present at Azadi Stadium included family members of athletes, female athletes, invitees, and 30 women who managed to purchase tickets. Ms. Salahshouri expressed hope that a day would come when, in addition to the families of athletes, other interested women would also be able to attend stadiums.