Iran has decided to halt the implementation of a new, stricter law regarding women's mandatory headscarf, known as hijab. The legislation, approved by the parliament in September 2023, was set to impose harsher penalties on women who refuse to wear the hijab and on businesses serving them. The decision to pause the law was announced by one of Iran's vice presidents, indicating that the bill will not be forwarded to the government as planned this week.
The move comes amidst efforts by Iran's reformist President to engage in talks with Western nations regarding sanctions related to the country's nuclear program. The president had expressed concerns about the law, describing it as having 'many questions and ambiguities.'
The legislation, if enacted, would have introduced fines and prison terms for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Additionally, public figures could face financial penalties, and businesses could be shut down for serving individuals not wearing a headscarf. The law also included provisions for encouraging reporting on violators by foreign nationals and incentivizing surveillance by business owners and taxi drivers.
The scope of the proposed law raised concerns both domestically and internationally, with critics pointing to its severe measures and invasive surveillance tactics. The decision to pause the legislation was reportedly made by top executive, legislative, and judiciary bodies in Iran.
The controversy surrounding the hijab law was reignited following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, who died after being arrested by the morality police for not wearing her hijab according to authorities' standards. The incident sparked widespread protests and a subsequent security crackdown that resulted in numerous casualties and detentions.
Iran's decision to delay the implementation of the hijab law reflects the complex dynamics within the country's political landscape and the ongoing tensions between different factions. The fate of the legislation remains uncertain as stakeholders continue to navigate the delicate balance between social norms, individual freedoms, and state regulations.
