New Details on the 'Chastity and Hijab' Bill; Women, Media Affiliates, and Merchants at Risk of Accusation

A member of the Judicial Commission of the Parliament, in an interview with domestic media, referred to the approval of the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill in this commission, stating: 'In this bill, any action that undermines the foundation of the family, including nudity, immorality, hijablessness, and improper dressing, is considered a crime.' Hossein Ali Haji Deligani added that the precise title of the Chastity and Hijab bill is 'Supporting the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab,' and in its first article, the family is regarded as the main center for human growth, development, and tranquility. Haji Deligani also mentioned details from the Judicial and Legal Commission's resolution regarding Chapter Five of the Chastity and Hijab bill, noting: 'Chapter Five of the resolution pertains to crimes and violations in the area of chastity and hijab, focusing on individuals who are connected with foreign governments, networks, and media movements promoting nudity, immorality, hijablessness, and improper dressing in society, for whom penalties have been considered.' According to him, for media affiliates, groups, and networks promoting immorality and hijablessness, in the first instance, consideration will be given to the circumstances of individuals, and if individuals have acted out of ignorance or regretted their actions, leniency will be granted for their violations and crimes. The member of the Judicial and Legal Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly added that this resolution imposes heavy penalties on those who knowingly intend to dissolve the family and harm society. He further stated that for stores that network to sell products promoting the four mentioned criminal offenses, up to 10% of their annual profit will be considered as a penalty. This bill has currently been approved in the Legal and Judicial Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and its report will soon be submitted to the parliamentary leadership for review and approval in the Assembly. After approval in the Assembly, the resolution will be sent to the Guardian Council, and if approved by this council, it will become law and enforceable. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, defended the 'Chastity and Hijab' bill on Wednesday, July 19, calling non-compliance with mandatory hijab a 'disorder' and stating that if this situation continues, returning to what he calls the 'desired situation' will become 'more difficult.' He also defended the so-called 'Chastity and Hijab' bill, adding: 'Merely criminalizing the mandatory hijab law means we have worked ineffectively,' and therefore, to prevent it from becoming 'hasty and immature,' the Assembly approved a single urgency for this bill instead of a double urgency. Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, stated on Thursday, July 20, that 'women and girls in Iran are facing the worst violations of their fundamental rights, which I call gender discrimination.' He also criticized the mandatory hijab law, stating that this law is 'filled with violence and brutality and violates dignity and human rights.' Following widespread protests in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police, an increasing number of girls and women, including actresses and athletes, have removed their hijabs as a sign of opposition. Meanwhile, images and videos shared on social media indicate the continued opposition of girls and women to the mandatory hijab envisioned by the Islamic Republic.