Another Page from the 'Hijab and Chastity' Bill; Filmmakers Must Commit to 'Hijab'

The bill known as 'Hijab and Chastity', which has recently emerged from the Judicial Commission of the Parliament, mandates that film and television producers require guarantees and commitments regarding hijab from actors and crew members in new contracts. A member of the Cultural Commission of the Parliament, in an interview with domestic media, referred to the optional dress code of artists and crew in some productions as 'structural breaking' and stated: 'The point we have included in this bill, which applies to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the state broadcasting organization, and some other cultural institutions, is that no contracts should be signed with individuals recognized as violators until their period of condemnation is over.' Bankipour added: 'In the hijab bill, we have also made it mandatory for producers to obtain guarantees from actors and crew members in new contracts to ensure that even after the film is released, they do not engage in the structural breaking mentioned in the bill.' He noted: 'This bill states that if contracts are signed with artists who do not observe hijab, that film and production will be banned from airing, and the producer will have to pay for the damages.' Following the nationwide protests after 'Mahsa Amini's death in police custody', several artists and actors published images of themselves with optional attire in support of freedom and women. Some of these artists, including Katayoun Riahi, Hengameh Ghaziani, Afsaneh Bayegan, and Taraneh Alidoosti, were detained for a period or summoned and interrogated by security agencies. However, the opposition to compulsory hijab continues. The Minister of Islamic Guidance acknowledged on July 26 the support of 'prominent cultural and artistic figures' for the protesting public and their 'role' in the nationwide protests, labeling these artists as 'flag bearers of the fight against the Islamic Republic' and stating that many of them have been banned from cultural and artistic activities. Criticisms of the hijab and chastity bill include accusations of public disgrace and violation of people's rights. Abolfazl Ghadiani stated: 'The second wave of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement will sooner or later overthrow Khamenei and his regime.' Opposition to penalizing drivers for 'bad hijab' of passengers in the hijab bill is seen as inciting conflict among the people. Continued criticism of the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill suggests it is a means for the government to generate income. The municipality of Mashhad has been described as 'following the Taliban', as the use of outdoor spaces in restaurants and cafes has been banned. A legal expert has described the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill as 'harmful and terrifying.' New details have emerged regarding an attack on tourists in the Opert highlands, with the Semnan governorate suggesting to ask the IRGC. The Minister of Guidance's recent response indicated that prior to the recent issue, there were 'no negative reports' regarding the director general of Gilan. The criticism of the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill continues, from being labeled a 'forgotten law' to a 'major obstacle.'