Despite Criticism, Parliament Approves; 'Chastity and Hijab' Bill to be 'Approved' in Joint Commission

In today's parliamentary session, a proposal from several representatives to review the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill according to Article 85 of the Constitution was discussed and accepted by a majority vote. With the approval of this proposal, the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill will be examined, approved in a joint commission, and sent directly to the Guardian Council without a vote in the Islamic Consultative Assembly. During the discussion of this proposal, one of the designers officially stated that if this bill is examined in the open session of the parliament, considering that 'over 1600 amendments' have been registered by 59 representatives, it would mean 'non-approval' of the bill, and thus, he considered the approval of the bill in the commission as a suitable solution for its 'immediate' approval. This proposal was ultimately approved by Baqer Qalibaf, but the number of positive and negative votes was not announced. Official news agencies in Iran reported shortly after the end of this voting that the results were 175 in favor, 49 against, and 5 abstentions from 238 representatives present in the parliament. This proposal was taken last week, on August 15, before the open session, in a closed meeting of the 'Revolutionary Fraction,' which holds the majority in the parliament, and was announced in the open session that same day. According to Article 85 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, plans or bills can be examined, approved, and sent to the Guardian Council in a joint commission by the decision of the parliament, so that upon the Guardian Council's approval, they can be implemented 'experimentally.' A few years ago, a plan known as the 'Protection Plan,' which aimed to impose more controls and restrictions in cyberspace, was also examined in this manner, leading to widespread protests and ultimately being shelved. In recent days, the publication of details of the so-called 'Hijab and Chastity' bill has sparked a wave of criticism among lawyers and political and social activists. This bill initially had 9 articles, which increased to 15 articles in the government and was ultimately organized by the Judicial Commission of the parliament in 70 articles, even covering cyberspace. The 'Hijab and Chastity' law also includes men and penalizes wearing clothing that is 'against public modesty,' such as 'revealing clothing' or clothing that exposes parts of the body 'below the chest or above the calf or shoulder.' This bill, titled 'Support for Families through Promoting Chastity and Hijab Culture,' has mandated the Ministry of Economy to provide banking facilities to organizations active in the field of hijab and chastity and to calculate the cost of producing and supplying hijab-related products 'as a tax expense.' The 'Hijab and Chastity' bill has requested the state media to prepare and announce content regulations related to 'Islamic family-centered lifestyle' for home viewing within the next two months. The bill requests the Ministry of Science to establish universities and university campuses specifically for women. It has asked the Ministry of Health to arrange the administrative layout in the headquarters buildings of hospitals, universities, and other centers affiliated with this ministry in such a way that 'Sharia boundaries' between male and female employees are maintained and the presence of non-mahrams is avoided. The hijab bill has obligated the Ministry of Communications to launch the national information network 'as soon as possible.' According to reports, the amount of fines for offenders will be deducted from the individual's bank account and deposited into the national treasury. In recent months, the Islamic Republic has expanded its campaign against voluntary hijab to include the closure of businesses and even online sales companies and cultural and artistic platforms. Despite severe criticisms, officials of the Islamic Republic emphasize the 'deterrent' nature of the fines. Civil resistance among citizens continues; the imposition of mandatory hijab remains a priority for the Islamic Republic. A member of the Legal and Judicial Commission of the parliament stated: 'If the hijab bill is not approved, the flood will carry us away.' Recent changes in the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill; the return of 'Guidance Patrols,' a new day, a new day. The U.S. reacted to Raisi's 'warnings' about 'hijab': Choosing clothing is a personal right. Raisi: The 'unveiling' will be stopped; users: Her entire being is 'stained with the blood' of the people. Intensification of actions against athletes supporting protests; raids by agents on the house of Hossein Mahini.