Full text of the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill published; from monetary penalties to restrictions on social media activities and travel bans

The full text of the bill known as 'Hijab and Chastity' was published on Thursday, July 27, by the Iranian Labor News Agency, ILNA. This bill was prepared and drafted by the judiciary and sent to the government of Ebrahim Raisi. After receiving it, the Raisi government forwarded it to the Islamic Consultative Assembly, where the Speaker of the Assembly sent it for further review to the Legal and Judicial Commission. The content of the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill consists of five chapters titled Generalities, General Duties of Executive Bodies, Specific Duties of Executive Bodies, General Duties and Social Responsibility, and Crimes and Offenses, comprising 70 articles. In the first chapter, it is stated that any behavior promoting 'nudity, immorality, hijablessness, inappropriate clothing... [and] late marriage' is prohibited. Among the notable points in the second chapter of the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill is the obligation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to 'conclude treaties and establish and strengthen global movements to preserve and defend the family structure... among countries worldwide.' In the third chapter, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) is requested to prepare programs to achieve the goals of this bill, refrain from inviting and contracting with artists whose 'lifestyle contradicts the culture of hijab and chastity,' and prevent the production and broadcasting of audio and visual materials promoting 'corruption, nudity, hijablessness, and immorality.' It is also mandated that the selection and continuous qualifications of all teachers, student teachers, and staff, whether official, contractual, or temporary, must comply with hijab regulations. 'Establishing and expanding universities and academic campuses specifically for women' and 'honoring and encouraging athletes promoting the culture of chastity and hijab' are other notable points in the third chapter of the 'Hijab and Chastity' bill. Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce is tasked with 'preventing the entry of prohibited clothing, statues, dolls, mannequins, and products promoting nudity.' Furthermore, the Ministry of Intelligence, the IRGC Intelligence Organization, and the Iranian Police Intelligence Organization (FARAJA) are required to identify individuals opposing mandatory hijab in virtual media and refer them to judicial authorities. The 'Hijab and Chastity' bill also obligates the Iranian police command to 'create and strengthen intelligent systems to identify offenders of legal behaviors using tools such as fixed and mobile cameras.' This bill paves the way for training Basij forces to carry out 'enjoining good and forbidding wrong verbally.' In the fourth chapter, 'practical commitment to chastity and hijab is a condition for recruitment, employment, promotion, ranking, appointments, and enjoying employment benefits in executive bodies' is stated. According to the fifth chapter, 'any person who insults the principle of hijab in virtual or non-virtual spaces or promotes nudity, immorality, hijablessness, or inappropriate clothing... in the first instance is subject to a fourth-degree monetary penalty and, at the discretion of the judicial authority, may face a travel ban and prohibition from public activities in virtual spaces for six months to two years.' Additionally, 'anyone who commits inappropriate clothing in public or in public places will be subject to a maximum sixth-degree monetary penalty in the first instance and a fifth-degree monetary penalty in subsequent instances.' Following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police, a wave of protests swept across Iran and many major cities worldwide. During the protests, numerous female artists, civil activists, and athletes expressed their opposition to mandatory hijab by sharing images of themselves without headscarves. Moreover, Iranian women and girls demanded the recognition of the right to choose their attire by appearing in public without headscarves. The Islamic Republic has suppressed the protests, arresting, torturing, and killing opponents of mandatory hijab. Continued civil disobedience against mandatory hijab; the judiciary claims it is the work of the 'enemy think tank.' The judiciary has formed a case against employees of 'Taqcheh' for their actions regarding mandatory hijab; Amnesty International states that the Iranian government must be held accountable for the repression of opponents of mandatory hijab. New details from the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill; women, media affiliates, and shopkeepers are at risk of accusations. Intensified civil resistance against mandatory hijab; the Minister of Culture states that hijab is a 'red line.' Due to the publication of images without hijab by some employees, the 'Taqcheh' platform is under pressure from government entities. One of the rulings related to hijab was violated; the Supreme Court stated that the court's reasoning is incorrect. The Human Rights Activists Collective responded to recent rulings: the Islamic Republic focuses on humiliating women. The lawyer of Sepideh Qolian requested that the court session be held publicly. A member of the Assembly of Experts called for action against 'hijabless individuals'; Iran: heavy penalties are on the way for mandatory hijab; the administrative building of Digikala was sealed due to the 'hijab of female employees.' A member of the National Security Commission of Parliament stated that no one is willing to accept responsibility for 'morality police.' Narges Mohammadi stated that women's defiance will break the authoritarian power of the religious government. The seventh development plan and tourism outlook; an industry official stated: 'attracting 15 million tourists' is not feasible.