Iran’s Controversial Hijab Law Ignites Nationwide Fury

Iran’s New Hijab Law Sparks Nationwide Outrage

The approval of the "Hijab and Chastity" bill by Iran's Parliament has ignited widespread anger and condemnation across the country. Citizens, activists, and social commentators have criticized the law for its strict dress code regulations and the severe penalties it imposes on non-compliance. This legislation represents an escalation of existing restrictions on personal freedoms, particularly for women.

The law outlines a range of penalties, including financial fines and restrictions on essential services, targeting individuals deemed to be in violation of dress codes. Initial fines range from 20 million tomans ($285) to 80 million tomans ($1,140), with repeat offenders facing amounts as high as 165 million tomans ($2,350). Those unable to pay these fines may encounter obstacles such as restrictions on passport renewal, vehicle registration, and the ability to obtain or renew driving licenses.

Once the Guardian Council approves the bill, it will proceed to the President, who must sign and implement it. If the President refuses, the Speaker of Parliament can order its publication, ensuring its enforcement by mid-December. However, reports suggest President Masoud Pezeshkian may seek the Supreme Leader’s intervention to delay its implementation.

Despite being elected on promises to reduce pressure on women, the administration has remained silent on the law, drawing criticism. Some former officials, such as Sakineh Sadat Paad and Shahindokht Molaverdi, have spoken out against the law, describing it as irrational and counterproductive. Paad urged deliberation and warned against rushing to enforce such a controversial measure.

The public has also reacted strongly. One contentious provision allows "volunteer groups" to enforce the dress code, including foreign residents, sparking fears of racial discrimination and resentment. Critics argue this clause, along with the law’s financial and social penalties, will deepen divisions and escalate public dissatisfaction.

Human rights activists and legal experts have raised concerns about the law's broader implications. Some warn that its implementation could foster violence, erode trust in the government, and even lead to civil unrest. Prominent figures like Nasrin Sotoudeh and Sediqeh Vasmaghi have denounced the law as oppressive, calling for its immediate repeal.

The legislation’s surveillance measures, such as requiring CCTV footage from security forces and obligating taxi drivers to report passengers who violate hijab rules, have also alarmed many. Critics view these provisions as intrusive and a step toward turning society into a surveillance state.

Supporters of the law, mostly using anonymous or fake accounts on social media, have defended it, calling for its swift enforcement. They argue it reflects the will of the people, though the backlash from civil society and activists suggests otherwise. The law's financial burdens and the encouragement of citizens to police one another are likely to create new societal crises, amplifying existing tensions within the country.