The Expediency Discernment Council Deems Two Articles of the 'Hijab and Chastity' Bill Contrary to System Policies

The Expediency Discernment Council has determined that two articles of the mandatory hijab bill, known as the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill, are contrary to the general policies of the system. In a meeting on Saturday, October 21, the council identified ambiguities in the definitions of terms such as 'impropriety, lack of hijab, and inappropriate dress' in clause 3 of article 13 of the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill as contrary to the general legislative policies of the system. This article mandates the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology to review its cooperation with knowledge-based companies and scientific centers that 'promote or advertise nudity, impropriety, lack of hijab, and inappropriate dress' or 'commit such behaviors.' The Supreme Supervisory Board of the Expediency Discernment Council also identified 'ambiguities in some expressions and the impact of reports on officials' decisions' in article 32 as contrary to the general policies of the system. Article 32 of the mandatory hijab bill conditions employment and access to job benefits on 'practical commitment to chastity and hijab in the workplace and outside of it and in cyberspace' based on 'documented public reports from supervisory authorities and agents.' The 'Chastity and Hijab' bill, initially prepared in 9 articles by the judiciary, was sent to the government and then to the parliament, where it was expanded to 72 articles after review in the parliamentary judicial committee. This bill, which imposes mandatory hijab without being presented in a public session and with minimal approval, has been sent to the Guardian Council for confirmation and implementation. The 'Chastity and Hijab' bill has faced widespread criticism both inside and outside Iran. Reza Shafakhah, head of the Child Rights Committee of the Iranian Bar Association (Scuda), described the hijab bill as a violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Law on the Protection of Children and Adolescents. Additionally, a group of countries, led by Canada, issued a joint statement condemning the approval of the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill in the Iranian Parliament. Human rights organization Hengaw reported that Armita Garavand remains in a coma. A woman protesting mandatory hijab shouted 'Death to Khamenei'; police claimed she had a 'mental illness.' Mandatory hijab; threatening letters from 'security' to female students at Allameh University in Tehran.