Iran Faces Uproar Over Stricter Hijab Law Enforcement

Iran's approval of stringent hijab regulations has intensified domestic and international backlash, with critics describing the measures as draconian and an affront to women’s rights. The "Protection of the Family through Promoting the Culture of Hijab and Chastity" law consolidates previously existing dress mandates while introducing harsher penalties, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and restrictions on employment and education. This law is seen as an effort by authorities to suppress dissent following the protests ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which had spotlighted issues surrounding mandatory hijab enforcement.

The legislation, recently endorsed by Iran's Guardian Council, extends enforcement power to state bodies, including the judiciary, intelligence services, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. With 71 articles detailing fines ranging from $31 to $2,380, travel bans, and prison terms of up to 10 years for repeat violations, the law targets not only individuals but also businesses that fail to enforce hijab compliance. Activists argue these measures are designed to intimidate and silence critics of the regime.

The law further delineates what constitutes "improper" attire, penalizing both men and women for clothing deemed socially unacceptable. Women's attire that reveals body parts below the neck, above the ankles, or forearms is labeled as inappropriate, while men face penalties for wearing sleeveless or tight-fitting shirts. Repeat violations may lead to extended punishments, including bans on online activities and additional imprisonment.